Latest Episodes

This week, we’re on the search for a deal. We’re glancing through store windows, we’re browsing websites and we’re riffling through newspapers for the satisfaction of savings. To know we are getting a deal is a prize so sweet, but are we willing to sacrifice the lives of small businesses and media creators to get them? Katie Bolin takes a look at local businesses and their experience with coupons, Marjorie Otto examines the ethics of pirating, and host Matthew Curtis talk to Sam Segal about Radio K’s Weekly Release Spotlight.

This week, we’re relying on the Twin Cities community. The eclectic, exciting and energetic society that we’re fortunate to surround ourselves with. We’re a diverse people who can change the entire world or make one person’s day a little bit better. Katie Bolin looks to Minneapolis to change Ebola in the US, Parker Lemke checks out the local comedy scene and Aaron Bolton gives us the go-to anti-stress soundtrack.

Fall is before us already and we’re more than ready for it at Culture Queue. We’re snuggling up and listening to music, prepping the Halloween decorations and candy, and finding time to skateboard before the snow comes. Aaron Bolton finds the connection between music and skateboarding and Katie Bolin gives us the rundown on the definitive Halloween playlist.

This week, we’re exploring the beauty of nature. The leaves are falling, the snow is on its way, and there’s so much to be admired. Now it would be great if Minnesota had more seasons that Winter and nearly winter… Katie Bolin harvests the apple orchards of Minnesota for a story, Aaron Bolton listens to music on a rainy day, and Matthew Curtis interview EDM star Porter Robinson about his debut album, Worlds.

This week, we’re speaking out, through powerful poetry, against crimes in our city, for the plight of the needy. Parker Lemke listens to modern poetry in Minneapolis, and Matthew Curtis find the facts on bike theft, and Aaron Bolton looks into the benefits of music therapy.

This week, we’re covering excellence, what it takes to achieve it. Whether it’s joining others and working together, leaving competitors in the dust while you go it alone with your own style, or just waiting until your time comes. Aaron Bolton scratches the surface of the vinyl resurgence, Parker Lemke pledges to cover academic fraternities, and Matt Curtis takes a look at one of the leading tech companies in the game.

After putting the first week of school behind us, we’re reflecting on what means to be a student. Someone who is swamped with work and still trying to find time for themselves, saving pennies wherever they can and trying to get by. Zoe Peterson reads up on the rising prices of college textbooks, Katie Bolin sees what you can do if you’re taking care of a pet on a budget, and Parker Lemke finds the time to see what is going on in Art in St. Paul.

This week, we’re talking to people trying to find their place. Whether it be an independent artist in saturated music industry, a person struggling with his or her emotions, looking to art for healing, or an athlete in an unpopular sport. Aaron Bolton listens to local independent bands.

This week, we’re answering big questions, like is there a place for vintage technology in our increasingly digitized world? How can we make the modern fashion industry a more inclusive culture? How can time be used in filmography? Or what’s going on next weekend? Parker Lemke processes what it takes to be an analogue film photographer, Matthew Curtis explore the Minneapolis fashion scene, and Katie Bolin visits the Walker Art Center to stare at the clock that people are raving about.

This week we’re reminiscing on what makes life in Minnesota – Minnesotan. We’re thinking about the toys we played with in elementary school, we’re listening to the music we grew up with in high school, and finally, we’re living the life of business and profession that we’re still trying to get a hold of. Amy Friedman plays with the toys of generations past, Aaron Bolton tunes in to 90s hip hop and Katie Bolin see how businesses take advantage of one of the most bike friendly cities in America.

This week we’re exploring the issues that concern us during our day to day lives in the Twin Cities. Katie Bolin takes a ride around Minneapolis to find out what makes for a so-called biker city, Parker Lemke takes in the heated debate involving our clean air and e-cigarettes, and Matthew Curtis takes a closer look at the controversial additions to the U of M campus and the surrounding areas.

Nathan Gerdes sings his heart out for the last time and talks with metal vocalists, Parker Lemke travels the world of comics and looks into their presence in Minneapolis, and new music reporter Aaron Bolton stays up past curfew and visits the Northern Spark Festival.

We here at Radio K are proud to present The Clueless Radio Play, the first (as far as we know) radio reenactment of the sensational 1995 cult classic, starring the Queen of Beverly Hills, Cher Horowitz in her complicated high school journey. Hope you enjoy and you can catch Part 2 next week!

Tonight we are focusing on a group of individuals that often get a bad rep – bros. We are giving them the respect they deserve, paying tribute to the things they love with three exciting stories from three producers in this week’s special installment. Amy Friedman tries her hands at wrestling, Katie Bolin looks at dance music culture in the Twin Cities, and Matthew Curtis explores homosexuality within sports.

As we get closer to finals week we can feel ourselves wearing down. Maybe you haven’t had a decent meal in a while, or you’ve been stuck inside for weeks, cramming in the sub-basement of a library, and life may feel like one big drone.
We’re here to help. Amy Friedman takes a bite out of the cuisine that the Twin Cities has to offer, with only a student budget to spend, Katie Bolin visits Como Park Zoo to explore the beauty of Japanese gardens, and Nathan Gerdes listens to drone music and discovers what one particular band has to offer. Nailah Tahman brings us the Weekly Release Spotlight, Black Diet's 'Find Your Tambourine.'

This week, we discover the true richness behind things that may seem simple. Nathan Gerdes listens to duos and explores the complexities of obtaining a full-sound, Amy Friedman talks to Student Entrepreneurs about their relentless ambitions, and Matt Curtis tries his hand at drawing live figures in the name of understanding one of America’s most adored realism artists. Radio K Digital Media Producer Trevor Spriggs reviews the Weekly Release Spotlight "Reverie Lagoon: Music For Escapism Only" by Seahaven.

This week, we’re getting creative. Not with macaroni pictures and Papier-mâché, but with some of the most talented minds in the Twin Cities that breaking the mould in their creative fields of work. Katie Bolin talks to a musician that separating himself from the crowd, Parker Lemke finds out what it takes to be a craftsman and Nathan Gerdes discovers the origins of a genre. Host Matt Curtis talks with Radio K Traffic Director Jio Nocon about the Weekly Release Spotlight, "Dissed and Dismissed" by Tony Molina.

Our society is driven by media, and this week we’re indulging in it and appreciating what Minneapolis and St-Paul have to offer on a given weekend. Amy Friedman tries to sing karaoke, Matt Curtis visits a thriving film festival, and Parker Lemke learns about the significance of one of the most revered comic book heroes.

Tonight we’re exploring not only today the cities, with its bustle and relentless energy, but we’re also taking a few steps out to see what the country has to offer, while also paying tribute to our inspirations. Parker Lemke pays a visit to a historic farm in Elk River, Aaron Bolton rewrites the script on a subculture within our metro that is often misconceived and Nathan Gerdes reports on a modern musical icon. Abe Solberg brings you the Weekly Release Spotlight, "Salad Days" by Mac DeMarco.

This week we were given the special opportunity to broadcast a radio play, the first season episode "Tracy Does Conan" of the hit sitcom 30 Rock, to be exact. Read and reworked by University of Minnesota group "Bammers After Dark."

This week, while usual host Matt Curtis is away at SXSW, producer Amy Friedman presents three stories of what it takes to be heard in the Twin Cities. Katie Bolin shares a story of artists occupying storefronts, Nathan Gerdes grapples with a compromise that musicians make in order to reach an audience, and Parker Lemke speaks with students who are speaking out against the state of the U. Radio K Digital Media Producer Trevor Spriggs joins us to speak about the Weekly Release Spotlight, James Vincent McMorrow’s ‘Post Tropical.’

On the surface, some things may not make a lot of sense to us or may not even be relevant, but this week three stories from three reporters find the meaning behind parts of our culture. Amy Friedman finds the meaning of happiness, Matt Curtis takes a closer look at the advertising and communications industry and new reporter Alex Van Ess discovers what it takes to be a curler. Radio K DJ Jaak Jensen joins me in discussing this week's Weekly Release Spotlight, "Guilty of Everything" by Nothing.

We are bringing music to life as part of Radio K’s K Starter Campaign. The one week every semester where we look to you to help us do what we do best, provide eclectic music and engaging storytelling, and three reporters are looking to show that in this week's Culture Queue.
Parker Lemke faces the music and steps into the boots of a U of M security monitor, Aaron Bolton attends a local house show and Nathan Gerdes films a music video.
This week's Weekly Release Spotlight is Wonderland by ceo.

It's Valentine's Weekend here at Culture Queue, but as always, we're far from things to do in the Twin Cities. Matt Curtis attends a one of a kind fashion event, Katie Bolin jams at the Walker Arts Center, and Mike Potter views an exhibiton that breathes colour back into this seemingly endless winter. Volunteer and Radio K DJ Kevin Karner presents the Weekly Release Spotlight, Burn Your Fire For No Witness by Angel Olsen.

This week we are taking care of our pets, and exploring the Twin Cities and our relationship with domesticated animals. Amy researches services for mourning pet loss, Mark Sheely finds that wildcats are in more Minnesota homes than you would think, and Nathan Gerdes looks back at Black Sabbath, a band focused on letting their inner animal out of the cage. This week's Weekly Release Spotlight is Juan Wauters's North American Poetry.

This week we hear stories about making way for the new in the name of improvement, as well as holding on to the past for sentiment and paying tribute to something special. Parker Lemke dives into the constant development of the University of Minnesota, Katie Bolin revisits to the post office to see what the next generation could be missing out on, and Nathan Gerdes honors The Pixies for inspiring decades worth of artists. The Weekly Release Spotlight is Nick Waterhouse's Holly.

This week we take a closer look at drugs and alcohol and their relationship with Minnesota. Reporter Amy Friedman explores the caves and the speakeasies of Minneapolis and St. Paul to find out how prohibition shaped the state. Matt Curtis analyzes the first two weeks of weed-legal Colorado and takes note of the marijuana situation in Minnesota. Nathan Gerdes speaks with cover bands to discover the motives behind the thankless musicians. The Weekly Release Spotlight is Forever by Painted Palms.

We kick off the new year with a brand new show, new producers, and new segments. This week Katie Bolin explores the world of online dating, Parker Lemke gets recruited by missionaries and Nathan tries to find the Minneapolis metal scene after the closing of notorious venue Station Four. Our weekly release spotlight is K. Raydio and Symun's LucidDreamingSkylines.

This week we say a hard but honourable goodbye to a man who has changed the face of Culture Queue, former host Mitch Skinner. In this live show, we highlight some of his most diverse, interesting stories while featuring kind words from his fellow Radio Kers. Best of luck to him in a life after graduation.

This week Culture Queue is mourning over the graduations of our long-serving producers, Mitch Skinner and Marcheta Fornoff, so we are giving them the proper send-off by dedicating a show to each of their best work. This week Marcheta is in the hot seat, as we take a look back on what made her the talented journalist she is today as she goes on to bigger and better things. Highlighted Stories: Beekeeping in Minnesota, Gay Marriage, and Turkey Racing.

This week on Culture Queue, we explore the depths of the cities and ourselves. Parker Lemke checks out the University of Minnesota's archives. Matt Curtis reports on Charles Bradley's brand of soul music, then chats with fellow producer Amy Friedman about it. Mark Sheely uncovers information on exotic animals in Minnesota, and Marcheta Fornoff gets a history lesson with Minneapolis' mayor, R.T. Rybak.

This week on Culture Queue, we're offering an early taste of things to be thankful for, including food, health, and great arts and culture reporting. Our show begins with a trip to the Hack Factory in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis with reporter Jamie Nelson and a look at some of the unique creations made there. Marcheta Fornoff looks at a uniquely gendered rendition of the classic play "Romeo and Juliet." Later, Sarah Mevisson joins host Mark Sheely in-studio to count down the Top 7 things you can do on Thanksgiving that don't involve eating. We look at how food defines our culture in a classic report from Tess Weinberg. Matt Curtis asks our Question of the Week: Who are you least looking forward talking to this Thanksgiving? Finally,

It's Thanksgiving in Hillside, and Arnold and Helga are struggling with their imperfect versions of the holiday. Come join us for mushed up pumpkin seed, yummy corn maize, and Culture Queue's first live radio play.

This week on Culture Queue, we attempt to understand the unknown and the confusing. Nick Tabbert looks at a law confusing college students and getting their cars towed. Maarja Merivoo-Parro reports on a play from MU Performing Arts. Katie Bolin looks at hidden messages in pop songs. Amy Friedman talks to an artist about the art of maps. Reporter Parker Lemke talks to Mitch Skinner about the things in life that are most confusing to him, and Brad Hanson looks at sports fans sticking with their underperforming teams.

This week on Culture Queue, we put the "art" in The Arts Show that Rocks. We start the show off with a story by new reporter Georgia Lucas about young people's appreciation of art at the Walker Art Center. Then, Jessica Lehman covers the Baby Marx puppet show and outlines how red-blooded Americans have recently grown fond of the bearded philosopher. To close out the first half of the show, Shelby Thomason and host Cristeta Boarini count down the top 7 local cafes that also function as art galleries. In the second half, Eric Dolski participates in National Novel Writing Month, and Cristeta Boarini gets familiar with the Art-O-Mat: a vending machine for art.

This week on Culture Queue, we refuse to put away childish things. It starts with Marcheta Fornoff and a new look at Dr. Seuss. Mitch Skinner and Noel Clark talk about the difficulties of playing a board game they don't understand. Matt Curtis looks at chain restaurants popularity in small towns. New reporter Zoe Peterson asks students what their most embarrassing in-class experiences are. Mitch Skinner ends the show with a look at how some gamers are creating news ways to experience video games.

This week, we lead our listeners into the Culture Queue Zone. Our journey begins with a look at real-life horrors present in the Soap Factory's haunted house from Robert Schoen. Producer Amy Friedman examines a Dia de los Muertos galería. New reporter Maarja Merivoo-Parro handles the Question of the Week, asking for favorites street names. Later, Matt Curtis joins Amy Friedman in counting down the Top 7 least approriate places to wear a costume. Producer Mitch Skinner looks at the annual Brick-or-Treat display at Brickmania in Northeast Minneapolis. Finally, producer Noel Clark looks at a different kind of ghost story from author Anne Elizabeth Moore.

This week on Culture Queue, we look at legends. Katie Bolin reports on pop star tribalism. Alex Bitter goes on the street for the Question of the Week, asking who you would want to run for mayor. Matt Curtis puts together a getting over government playlist. Mitch Skinner looks at breast cancer and superheroes. Noel Clark looks at a rock and roll opera, and Amy Friedman explores the world of ghost hunting.

This week on Culture Queue, we look at motion in three stages. We start with Mitch Skinner's report on dance, specifically twerking, and how it relates to culture and race. Katie Bolin asks student their ideal Fall date. Marcheta Fornoff looks at the movement of products and words by two Minnesota auctioneers. Parker Lemke and Madie Hamilton count down the Top 7 worst flavors to put in coffee, and Matt Curtis examines seemingly useless art.

Culture Queue comes to you with a winter rerun this week, but with a new spin. Each of our stories comes from a reporter who passed through our studios just long enough to file one story before moving on to (hopefully) bigger and brighter things. To start our show, Reporter Tony Wagner tells the tale of the Holidazzle Parade in Dec. of 2010. Next, Reporter Jessi Lehman visits the production "Baby Marx" at the Walker Art Center in Nov. of 2011. Our question of the week is from Andrea Tritchler, and asks, "What is the most embarrassing thing you've seen on Facebook?" The second half of the show kicks off with a story from Reporter Sean Neppl from Oct. of 2011 in which he investigates a rash of robberies on the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit line. We close our show with a story from Saoirse McMahon from March of 2012 that takes a look at cubing, the art of solving Rubick's Cubes.

It's Culture Queue's quiz show. Play along as we ask pressing questions such as: "Which former Minnesota politician refuses to wear underwear?" and "What is the best kind of milk for Oreos?" We talk to students from beatboxing, improv and Republican groups on campus, and local comedian Bryan Miller joins us as well.

This week on Culture Queue, we look at student groups at the University of Minnesota. We start with the student co-op. Parker Lemke has the story. Producer Amy Friedman talks to opera aficionados. Jamie Nelson joins host Mitch Skinner in counting down the Top 7 areas not to go to on campus. Zach McCormick takes a quick look into the four square club. Madie Hamilton meditates with a Buddhist group, and Emma Nelson talks to ROTC students on campus.

This week on Culture Queue, we students reflect on 9/11 and its long, long aftermath. Marcheta Fornoff talks with three students who remember 9/11 and the effect it had on them. Mark Sheely reminds us how Minnesotans gave help to 9/11 victims. Shelby Thomason brings in a lighter note by counting down the top 7 worst 9/11 tribute songs, and Mitch Skinner closes out the show by talking with local Muslims about how they were affected by the event.

This week on Culture Queue, we deal with rhymes and conversations. Mitch Skinner talks with indie rapper Mac Lethal about his blog, "Texts From Bennett." Marcheta Fornoff looks at sidewalk art in St. Paul. Matt Curtis looks at the Livestrong Foundation, and Amy Friedman talks to Radio K staff about lullabies.

It's the best of summer from Culture Queue. We start with an exploration of dumpsters with Amy Friedman. Matt Curtis looks at soccer in Minnesota. Marcheta Fornoff explores bees, and Parker Lemke rides the bus.

This week on Culture Queue we decided to bust out of the studio and take in the fresh air, foods, and musical sounds of the Midtown Farmer's Market along Lake Street in South Minneapolis. Producer Mitch Skinner noticed a distinct lack of commercial donut shops in Minneapolis and decided to check out the unique endeavor that is the Donut Co-op in the Seward neighborhood. For those who prefer seitan over sirloin, this week's co-host Noel Clark examines the upcoming and first ever Twin Cities Veg Fest, and new reporter Cindy Yang asks aspiring green-thumbs, "If you could grow anything, what would that be?" In the second half of our show, without the luxury of a canopy or any shade, co-hosts Mark Sheely and Noel Clark count down the top 7 ways to survive the heatwave engulfing the nation, and Tess Weinberg gets her hands dirty learning about an outreach program teaching kids how to grow fruits and vegetables. Music featured in this show included: Don't Look Down by Trampled By Turtles These Days by Dr. Dog Pastures of Plenty by Woody Guthrie Aubergine by mewithoutYou Hickory by Iron & Wine Animal Farm by The Kinks

It's a real trip on this week's Culture Queue. Marcheta Fornoff is in as host. Regular host Mitch Skinner starts off the show with a rundown on everything you need to know about Superchunk. Madie Hamilton handles the question of the week, asking, "What's the most exotic thing you've ever eaten?" Marcheta Fornoff examines how handbags ties into monogamous relationships.
Later, Producer Amy Friedman looks at the lives of a group of Odissi dancers. Finally, Sarah Boden does some urban exploring, venturing into Minnesota caves.

This week on Culture Queue, we explain what exactly a "queue" is. Our show begins with a look at light painting from producer Marcheta Fornoff. New reporter Courtney Bade handles our Question of the Week, asking which United States President you would get a tattoo of and where. Reporter Cindy Yang joins host Mark Sheely counting down the Top 7 improvements that could be made to the presidential debate format. Later, reporter Matthew Curtis looks at brand loyalty for iOS and Android phones. Finally, Courtney Bade looks at new album from Minnesota rapper Brother Ali.

This week, on Culture Queue, we focus on same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Producer Marcheta Fornoff kicks the show off with a look at newlyweds and wedding officiants. Host Mitch Skinner talks to musicians about playing at the first gay weddings in Minnesota. New Reporter Madie Hamilton asks for the definition of marriage in the Question of the Week. Parker Lemke focuses on LGBT youth and youth advocacy, and Matt Curtis looks at homosexuality in American sports.

This week we have a whirlwind of different stories to offer as the days get longer and winter starts to fade.
First, David DeMark brings us a story on a fake cartoon that became a real puppet show, and Marcheta Fornoff visits a community oven where people make more than just bread. In our Top 7, Ross Koeberl and Jerod Greenisen tell us what it takes to be mansome. Next, Matthew Curtis attends a fancy gala... with pets, and Mitch Skinner talks with John Moe about dragons and Mad Men, among other things.

This week, we ride the bus, specifically, the 16 line. We start things off at 6 a.m. Producer Matt Curtis rides with the morning commuters until 9 a.m. Producer Marcheta closes out the morning by talking to a bus driver. Reporter Parker Lemke examines the perceived dangers of riding the city bus. Producer Amy Frieman takes the night bus and some interesting riders take her for a ride.

This week on Culture Queue, we tread through stormy weathers and get some interesting stories along the way. Producer Marcheta Fornoff looks into the effects of colony collapse. Host Mitch Skinner examines the mixing of art and religion in Russia. For our Question of the Week, reporter Parker Lemke asks, "What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?"
Later, producer Amy Friedman reports on the influx of Bhutanese in Minnesota, and Parker Lemke takes a trip to the University of Minnesota's ReUse program.
Producer Matt Curtis provides audio for our rainy day songs. Special thanks to Todd Crotty, Amy Friedman, Sarah Boden, and Eric Dolski for providing audio for our stories.

This week on Culture Queue, we enjoy the good weather while it lasts. Zach McCormick starts the show off with a retrospective of innovative recently-deceased rapper Eyedea - of Eyedea & Abilities. Tess Weinberg sends an audio telegram-esque countdown of her top 7 culture shock moments while studying in distant Argentina. Host Cristeta Boarini talks with the writer of Word: the Urban Musical, which premiered at last year's Fringe Festival.
In the second half of the show, we ask U of M students, "What are your favorite summer jams?" and by jams we mean music. Bri Hanson delves further into what makes Minnesota great and why it's getting such good press lately. Lastly, Mitch Skinner closes out the show with a story about repetition and why he (and the rest of us) play Pokemon so much.

This week on Culture Queue, we celebrate the dads in our lives with a smorgasbord of arts and culture stories. Producer Amy Friedman dives into dumpsters to come up with her piece. New reporter Vamsi Bhadriraju asks, "What's your fondest dad memory?" Former producer Joe Krall explains how to keep your information safe on the internet, and producer Matt Curtis reports on soccer in Minnesota.
Special thanks to Radio K volunteers Alex, Greg, Ava and Maarja for providing personal anecdotes about their fathers.

This week on Culture Queue, we celebrate our most recent graduate, former host Noel Clark. We start the show with his examination of "Dying to Make It," a rock-opera put on in the Twin Cities. Then, it's stories on cajun cuisine, the blind experience and a camping workshop for kids.
All stories were reported on by Noel Clark. Amy Friedman, Marcheta Fornoff and Maarja Merivoo-Parro provided personal anecdotes.

This week on Culture Queue, we explore identity, including how it changes over time and how it stays the same. Producer Matt Curtis explores how "The Great Gatsby" has changed over the past 90 years. Cristeta Boarini reports on the shared musical identity along the Mississippi River. Matt Curtis and Maarja Merivoo-Parro count down the Top 7 things they are dreading about the forth coming summer months.
Later on, Host Mitch Skinner takes on Nikola Tesla and his renaissance in the internet age, and Amy Friedman dives into the world of middle age marijuana users.

This week on Culture Queue, we fawn over fauna, whether cute and cuddly or fearsome foes. But we start our show by looking at the artistic creations of man and the 2012 Northern Spark festival. Producer Tess Weinberg has the scoop. For our Question of the Week, new reporter Octavio Abea asks amblers what the largest animal they think they could "take" in a fight. Host Mark Sheely looks into the Wildcat Sanctuary, a home for abandoned, formerly domesticated wild cats. For our Top 7, reporters Bri Hanson and Alex Mehrtens count down their least favorite pests of summer. Finally, Todd Crotty reports on beekeeping and the status of the honeybee.

This week, it’s time for graduation. While others crack up in the sun or lose it in the shade, it’s time to pick up those diplomas and grab your life, because you're ready to use it.

Tonight we look at stories that center around this theme of a life in motion. Producer Marcheta Fornoff sheds light on the life of a synth mogul, Shelby Thomasson adds a little spice to life, recently accepted college-goer David DeMark reflects on a life lived in two worlds, and Maarja Merivoo-Parro shares songs that comfort the soul of the exchange student.

Tonight we present a special episode of our show recorded live at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis. It's Mother’s Day here on Culture Queue, so as a special gift to all you hard-working moms out there, tonight’s show is full of stories to keep the kids attention so you can put your feet up.

Tonight we bring you a story of student parents from producer Mitch Skinner, Maarja Merivoo-Parro tackles the mother of all Estonian archives, managing editor Noel Clark gets a behind-the-scenes look at the world of ice cream trucks, and Amy Friedman shares the musical wonder of Koo Koo Kanga Roo with listeners. Reporter Mike Potter brings his daughters into the studio for this week's Top 7, and we ask kids and parents what makes them run late in our Alice in Wonderland-inspired Question of the Week.

Special thanks to this week’s co-host Marcheta Fornoff, live engineer Amy Friedman and The Children's Theatre Company!

This week on Culture Queue, we dive into the world of the obscene. First Producer Marcheta Fornoff learns about a little “dirty dancing” for the sake of fitness, and Producers Mitch Skinner and Matt Curtis explore the Top 7 things that are like pornography for those in public radio. Next, Reporter Jamie Nelson attempts to dispel some myths about workers in the sex industry, and Producer Amy Friedman will talk circles around dirty words, in Italian. Plus, we introduce our new music segment, SoundScope, with a look at some … let’s call them “love songs.”

Retro seems to be all the rage these days. From fashion to food to music, everything is coming back around again. So this week we are looking into the past and bringing it back in the form of landmarks, ladies, robots and videogames.

We start with a story from Marcheta Fornoff on the new pinup movement in Minnesota, and then Managing Editor Noel Clark visits an 80’s videogame arcade on a quest for survival. Next, Amy Friedman has the story of an ad firm who projects their image into the past, and Matt Curtis checks out a musician who is building his own band. We finish with a Soundscope that is decidedly Daft Punk-centric with reporter Steve Fischer.

This week on Culture Queue, pull a show from the archives in which we focus on codes and the keys to cracking them. We start with producers Noel Clark and Mitch Skinner discovering how to play a German board game called "Felix Ab die Post!" without the rules. Producer Marcheta Fornoff looks into the super secret hand signals in our nation's past time before the show returns to Mitch and Noel's unlocking of a board games "code." Later, reporter Amy Friedman goes into the University of Minnesota's recycling facility to find out where our recyclables go and to gain sense of the codes the facility uses. For our Top 7 this week, Mitch and Noel count down the best ways to determine the rules of a board game. Finally, producer Tess Weinberg catches up with The Flaming Lips and their rise to indie stardom.

It's a blustery spring so far here in Minnesota, so we've decided to let the wind take us where it will. This week we start with reporter Jerod Greenisen who brings a story of a German custom translated to college life, and new reporter Steve Fischer asks our Question of the Week: What’s the worst thing you’ve done to a roommate? Next, Producer Matt Curtis spends some time learning about the female orgasm from a certified sex educator, and Eric Schulz chats with Alex Mehrtens about the Top 7 things we wish we could get a tax break for. Producer Marcheta Fornoff takes us through the importance of Tartan Day to Scots and Minnesotans alike, and Alec Thorkleson shares a Soundscope featuring the songs on the only CD in his car after the untimely death of his iPod connector.

This week we're feeling the change of the season. Winters can be bitterly cold here in MN, but when Spring comes around so do a wealth of new possibilities. So this week we hear about a few of them, starting with Producer Mitch Skinner's story on D.I.Y Printing at the Minnesota Museum of American Arts. Next, Reporter Alec Thorkleson asks students what they their ideal spring date would be in our Question of the Week. We get a taste of grownups playing kids games with Reporter Spencer Doar's piece on pickup dodge ball, and our Top 7 tackles the chore of spring cleaning with Producer Amy Friedman and Reporter Mike Potter. We round out the show with Managing Editor Noel Clark's visit to a cabaret housing a church without a home, and a little auditory inspiration for writers with a Soundscope from Alex Mehrtens.

This week we pay tribute to the women of the world with a show themed in their honor. We start out with Managing Editor Noel Clark, who takes a look at "Looking Past You," a film that examines themes of age and empowerment. For our Question of the Week, new reporter Vanessa Nyarko asks students "If you could spend a day with any woman in history, who would you chose?" and Producer Amy Friedman follows an artist on a questo to truthfully photograph women with the Nu Project.
In the second half, Noel Clark and Marcheta Fornoff count down the Top 7 fictional women we wish were real, and we hear a callsic story by former Host Sarah Boden in which she rides along with lady bike mechanics. Finally, Producer Matt Curtis drops a SoundScope on girl power anthems.

The thrilling conclusion to our Star Trek: The Next Generation radio play finds our heroes in a battle with the Borg. Will they accept Q's help? Will the Borg overtake their ship? Can our Culture Queue actors keep their lines straight? The answers to these questions and more exciting messages from our fake sponsors await you, so fire up your audio engines and engage!

This week on Culture Queue we take you to space for an adventure with the crew of the USS Enterprise. The enigmatic Q has cast our heroes out into a corner of space filled with wonders and dangers. Come along on a Star Trek: The Next Generation radio play adventure as we boldly go where Radio K has never gone before.

Through the many twists and turns in life, we all manage to create our own personal history. But that doesn't mean we have any control over how it plays out. Tonight on Culture Queue we take a look at some of the potential paths history can take.
Producer Amy Friedman talks to a painter who records the stories of holocaust survivors, reporter Eric Shulz discovers a musician’s sentimental memories of that first guitar, and Producer Marcheta Fornoff and reporter Mike Potter list the top 7 best celebrity diplomats.
Next, reporter Alex Mehrtens investigates life for students struggling with mental illness on the verge of graduation, and Ross Koeberl remembers the songs he used to listen to in a long gone car stereo.

This week we have a whirlwind of different stories to offer as the days get longer and winter starts to fade.
First, David DeMark brings us a story on a fake cartoon that became a real puppet show, and Marcheta Fornoff visits a community oven where people make more than just bread. In our Top 7, Ross Koeberl and Jerod Greenisen tell us what it takes to be mansome. Next, Matthew Curtis attends a fancy gala... with pets, and Mitch Skinner talks with John Moe about dragons and Mad Men, among other things.

We here at Culture Queue spend a lot of time on the arts beat. Whether it’s theater, music, books, museums, we try to keep you up on what’s going on in Minnesota’s art scene. But one thing we don’t often cover, is Sports.
So this week we bring you stories centered around the art of sport. Tales of trucking through mud, cross country stars who adopt a new mascot, rollerblading around the Metrodome and the Top 7 sporting leagues we wish existed. We even throw in a SoundScope playlist about how to get over a losing season.

Culture Queue comes to you live this week from our studios at Radio K. It’s that time of the year again. Public radio stations are asking listeners for support, and we here at Radio K are no different. In an effort to protect our most valuable natural resource -- our music -- we are asking YOU to pitch in.

So tonight on our show, we bring you stories based on that unifying theme of music, and we hope that you will join the conservation effort.

Valentines Day is like a double-edged sword. For some, it’s the best day of the year, while for others, it’s just another hallmark holiday. Well, this week we have stories of love that run the gamut. A playwright’s love for another culture, a beer lover’ pride in his city, some cheesy pick up lines and a banquet where food is art, love can sometimes take a surprising shape.

Art is all around us. It’s in museums, in the creativity we employ when our choices are limited, it’s in the way we keep music in our lives and let it direct us. In 1889 Oscar Wilde said “life imitates art far more than art imitates life.” So in that spirit, this week we bring you stories of Russian Spiritual Art, Creative culinary choices, extracurricular orchestras, and a Seattle musician transplanted to the twin cities.

Whether you like to laugh, shout, sit quietly with your feelings, or just plain get physical, Culture Queue has something for everyone this week. First, Mike Potter enters the Hexagon for a little tabletop pugilism. Then, David Demark wrestles with his own emotions, set to music. In our question of the week, new reporter Bob Larson asks students to describe their worst first day.
Next, Jamie Nelson learns how the nation’s largest urban native american population feels about the Idle No More movement, and we look at our Top 7 takes on reality show mash-ups. Finally, Noel Clark visits the 4th annual Minneapolis Jewish Humor Festival and learns a joke from a Rabbi.

This week on Culture Queue, we dive into the world of the obscene. First Producer Marcheta Fornoff learns about a little “dirty dancing” for the sake of fitness, and Producers Mitch Skinner and Matt Curtis explore the Top 7 things that are like pornography for those in public radio. Next, Reporter Jamie Nelson attempts to dispel some myths about workers in the sex industry, and Producer Amy Friedman will talk circles around dirty words, in Italian. Plus, we introduce our new music segment, SoundScope, with a look at some … let’s call them “love songs.”

It's flu season here at Culture Queue. So while we recuperate, we present a classic episode in which Former Producer Zach McCormick and Current Producer Mitch Skinner takeover hosting duties.
We start things off with a report from Former Producer Tess Weinberg on local independent record label Secret Stash Records. In a vintage Top 7 this week, Alex Mehrtens previews some of the most anticipated movie releases of 2012 and adds his two cents to boot. Producer Noel Clark looks at the importance of music selection in creating an ambiance for restaurants and bars. In the second half, reporter Spencer Doar takes to the street for our question of the week, asking people what the first record they bought was. To end our show, Producer Mitch Skinner looks at the movement in Minnesota to extend military burial rights in state and federal cemeteries to Hmong and Lao veterans of the "Secret War."

Culture Queue comes to you with a winter rerun this week, but with a new spin. Each of our stories comes from a reporter who passed through our studios just long enough to file one story before moving on to (hopefully) bigger and brighter things.
To start our show, Reporter Tony Wagner tells the tale of the Holidazzle Parade in Dec. of 2010. Next, Reporter Jessi Lehman visits the production "Baby Marx" at the Walker Art Center in Nov. of 2011. Our question of the week is from Andrea Tritchler, and asks, "What is the most embarrassing thing you've seen on Facebook?"
The second half of the show kicks off with a story from Reporter Sean Neppl from Oct. of 2011 in which he investigates a rash of robberies on the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit line. We close our show with a story from Saoirse McMahon from March of 2012 that takes a look at cubing, the art of solving Rubick's Cubes.

Culture Queue bids farewell to Host and Managing Editor Mark Sheely this week, as we take a look back at some of his most memorable moments. We start out with his Question of the Week, in which Mark asked "If you could create a college course, what would it be?" Then, we hear a story from November of 2012, as Mark covers the production "44 plays for 44 Presidents", performed on election night. Next, former Culture Queue Producer Tess Weinberg shares a memory about her time with Mr. Sheely. We end the first half with a report from our LGBTQ Pride show in June, as Mark takes a trip to the East Central Pride Festival in rural Pine City.
A summertime Top 7 with Mark Sheely and his successor, Producer Noel Clark, delves into the cooler part of the warmer months. Former Music Reporter and Senior Producer Zach McCormick shares a musical analogy on his time at CQ with Mark. Finally, we close out this ode to Mark with a story from 2011 on the trials of refugees who have to navigate a formidable American bureaucracy.

It's the holidays, so that means food, television, and vacation. We here at Culture Queue are celebrating our winter break with a remastered version of our soon-to-be-classic version of A Charlie Brown Christmas. So sit back, have some egg nog, and enjoy all your favorite characters as portrayed by college students and more classic Vince Guaraldi Trio tunes than you can shake a candy cane at.

This week on Culture Queue, we dive deeper into the winter spirit. We begin with a story by Reporter Matt Curtis on the Sufjan Stevens Sing-a-long concert held at First Ave focused on holiday tunes. Next, author Ben Mulhern reads an excerpt from his debut novel, "Everybody Wants You Dead," set on the U of M campus. In our Top 7, Producer Marcheta Fornoff and Reporter Mike Potter break down the worst Christmas songs ever conceived.
Alex Van Ness asks "What's your biggest Christmas disappointment?" in our Question of the Week. Then we hear a winter roadtrip playlist from former Culture Queue Producer Zach McCormick to get you home on the long drive. Finally, Host Mark Sheely finds out why it's important for professional Santa's to have insurance, stay in character, and not have a criminal record.

This week we bring you stories with a bit of a chill to them. First, Mitch Skinner delves into the state of the State of Hockey during a lock-out scenario. Maarja Merivoo-Parro gets another chance to tell a tale of technologyafter being given the cold shoulder at the end of last week's show. Then, we look at the Top 7 Uncool things to do this winter with Producer Marcheta Fornoff and volunteer David DeMark. For the Question of the Week, new volunteer Mike Potter asks people "what sound gives you the chills?" In the second half of our show, Producer Amy Friedman investigates our secret sonic weapon during the Cold War ... Jazz. We wrap up with a story from Producer Noel Clark on a Minnesotan take on the German tradition of Eiswein.

It's the holidays, so that means food, television, and vacation. We here at Culture Queue are celebrating our winter break with a remastered version of our soon-to-be-classic version of A Charlie Brown Christmas. So sit back, have some egg nog, and enjoy all your favorite characters as portrayed by college students and more classic Vince Guaraldi Trio tunes than you can shake a candy cane at.

This week on Culture Queue, we embrace the season of giving and give you a series of thought provoking stories. Our show begins with a report on crowd funding from producer Marcheta Fornoff. Marjorie Otto looks at this year's Seward Winter Frolic, an art crawl that rocks. New reporter David DeMark handles the question of the week, asking what daily annoyances you would abolish if given the opportunity.
Later, producer Mitch Skinner joins Noel Clark in counting down the Top 7 things to do before the world ends. Mark Sheely reports on a analog-to-digital movie conversion service. Finally, Maarja Merivoo-Parro explores the final frontiers of communication technology.

This week on Culture Queue, we're offering an early taste of things to be thankful for, including food, health, and great arts and culture reporting. Our show begins with a trip to the Hack Factory in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis with reporter Jamie Nelson and a look at some of the unique creations made there. Marcheta Fornoff looks at a uniquely gendered rendition of the classic play "Romeo and Juliet."
Later, Sarah Mevisson joins host Mark Sheely in-studio to count down the Top 7 things you can do on Thanksgiving that don't involve eating. We look at how food defines our culture in a classic report from Tess Weinberg. Matt Curtis asks our Question of the Week: Who are you least looking forward talking to this Thanksgiving? Finally, producer Mitch Skinner reviews the music and health of Minneapolis rapper P.O.S.

This week on Culture Queue, we focus on paying a price, whether monetary or otherwise. We begin with a look with a look at the Mankato Area Fair Trade Town Initiative (MAFTTI) from producer Amy Friedman. Sarah Mevissen examines how the Minnesota Orchestra lockout is affecting the musicians and the community. New reporter Kia Farhang asks our Question of the Week: Which Bond villain would you be?
Later, Eric Schultz joins producer Mitch Skinner in-studio to count down the Top 7 findings that didn't require studies. Reporter Sophia Anastazievsky leaps into the world of dumpster diving. Finally, Noel Clark looks into misconceptions and realities of sexually transmitted infections.

This week on Culture Queue, it's all about the elections. Our show begins with Jamie Nelson looking at the expected turnout of young voters in the 2012 elections. New reporter Alex Van Ness handles our Question of the Week, asking who you would invite to the White House if you were president. Amy Friedman and Robert Schoen count down the Top 7 best names to write-in for president.
Later, host Mark Sheely checks out "44 Plays for 44 Presidents." Finally, Marcheta Fornoff looks at political ads.

This week, we lead our listeners into the Culture Queue Zone. Our journey begins with a look at real-life horrors present in the Soap Factory's haunted house from Robert Schoen. Producer Amy Friedman examines a Dia de los Muertos galería. New reporter Maarja Merivoo-Parro handles the Question of the Week, asking for favorites street names.
Later, Matt Curtis joins Amy Friedman in counting down the Top 7 least approriate places to wear a costume. Producer Mitch Skinner looks at the annual Brick-or-Treat display at Brickmania in Northeast Minneapolis. Finally, producer Noel Clark looks at a different kind of ghost story from author Anne Elizabeth Moore.

This week on Culture Queue, we deal with losses of all kinds. We start with a ballot issue, a topic that inherently involves both winning and losing. Reporter Alex Mehrtens finds out how people are reacting to the canvassing of the "Vote No" campaign. New reporter Robert Schoen asks why Fall is the worst of the four seasons for our Question of the Week. Matt Curtis investigates examines ebooks and book arts.
Later, producer Noel Clark and Courtney Bade count down the Top 7 awareness days you should be aware of. Marjorie Otto examines the four day school week and how it's affecting a Minnesota town. Finally, producer Marcheta Fornoff examines a missed connection in Minneapolis.

This week on Culture Queue, we look at the most exciting events happening in the Twin Cities. Our program begins with a look at this year's Cirque du So Gay from producer Noel Clark. Eric Schulz joins producer Marcheta Fornoff in counting down the Top 7 things you want to come home to.
Later, producer Amy Friedman looks at green funerals. She also handles our Question of the Week, asking what people want done with their bodies after death. Producer Mitch Skinner looks how local businesses are looking to thrive and/or survive through the Zombie Pub Crawl. Finally, host Mark Sheely looks at Night Moves' new album, "Colored Emotions."

This week on Culture Queue, we explain what exactly a "queue" is. Our show begins with a look at light painting from producer Marcheta Fornoff. New reporter Courtney Bade handles our Question of the Week, asking which United States President you would get a tattoo of and where. Reporter Cindy Yang joins host Mark Sheely counting down the Top 7 improvements that could be made to the presidential debate format.
Later, reporter Matthew Curtis looks at brand loyalty for iOS and Android phones. Finally, Courtney Bade looks at new album from Minnesota rapper Brother Ali.

This week on Culture Queue, we're back with a live show from the studios of KUOM. It all begins with a story on legendary musician Matthew Sweet from producer Noel Clark. New reporter Eric Schulz handles the Question of the Week, asking what people would chose to sing for karaoke.
Jamie Nelson covers Zine Fest 2012. Producer Mitch Skinner counts down the Top 7 worst ways to spend your money with host Mark Sheely. Finally, Todd Crotty covers cover bands.

This week on Culture Queue, we look underneath the cape and the cowl, learn about makeshift furniture and uncover a whole lot more culture in the Twin Cities.
Our show begins with an examination of Batman, and how the character is portrayed in Batman Live, from producer Mitch Skinner. Amy Friedman looks into the decision making behind vaccinating children, specifically those who choose against it. New reporter Matt Curtis asks Radio K volunteers about their strangest roommate experiences for our Question of the Week.
Later, Alex Mehrtens joins host Mark Sheely in the Culture Queue studios to discuss Mehrtens' recent trip to Lithuania in this week's Top 7. Finally, producer Marcheta Fornoff looks into "upcycling," a form of recycling that involves repurposing what many might consider to be garbage.

This week on Culture Queue, we prepare our listeners for the start of the new semester at the University of Minnesota. We start with our Question of the Week. This week Rachel Hauser asks what you would do if you had an extra week of summer vacation. Producer Noel Clark checks out the quiet sounds of the university's many libraries. Jamie Nelson joins producer Mitch Skinner in counting down the Top 7 places you can go to on campus but probably shouldn't.
Later, we air a classic report from July 2011. Reporter Brady Myrne investigates the boom in student housing construction around the Twin Cities. Zach Biessner recounts his Welcome Week experience with host Mark Sheely. Our show ends with a report from Amy Friedman looking into how one particular student group blurs the line between culture and religion.

This week on Culture Queue, we focus on codes and the keys to cracking them. We start with producers Noel Clark and Mitch Skinner discovering how to play a German board game called "Felix Ab die Post!" without the rules. Producer Marcheta Fornoff looks into the super secret hand signals in our nation's past time before the show returns to Mitch and Noel's unlocking of a board games "code."
Later, reporter Amy Friedman goes into the University of Minnesota's recycling facility to find out where our recyclables go and to gain sense of the codes the facility uses. For our Top 7 this week, Mitch and Noel count down the best ways to determine the rules of a board game. Finally, producer Tess Weinberg catches up with The Flaming Lips and their rise to indie stardom.

This week on Culture Queue, we leave the comfort of Radio K's studios for some fresh air and exercise.
We begin with a report from Producer Noel Clark on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources "I Can Camp!" a beginner level camping workshop. New reporter Amy Friedman handles our Question of the Week, asking, "Would you want to live in a world with superheroes?" Jamie Nelson examines artwork along the Central Corridor Light Rail which is part of the Irrigate Arts initiative.
Later, Alex Mehrtens joins new Culture Queue producer Marcheta Fornoff in counting down the Top 7 events that are not part of the 2012 Summer Olympics. We end our show with a Culture Queue classic from Marcheta Fornoff on the annual "Great Gobbler Gallop" turkey race in Worthington, Minnesota.

This week on Culture Queue, we say goodbye to one of our longest tenured producers, Zach McCormick. While Mr. McCormick, is not leaving Radio K entirely, we thought it appropriate to look back at some of the best stories he produced before he steps down from the position of Culture Queue's Senior Producer and enters the exciting new frontier of hosting Rock & Roll Over.
Our show starts with a couple of McCormick's favorite topics, local music. He reviews the 2010 benefit concert for the Electric Fetus after the store's roof was damaged by a tornado. We look back at Stupor Bowl 2012, an underground drinking, bike race.
Later, we play a portion of Culture Queue's first radio drama, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and Zach McCormick's noble attempt at a British accent. We go back to the pub for the Town Hall Brewery's annual "Blessing of the Maibock" ceremony. We end our show where McCormick began with Culture Queue, music reporting. Specifically, we showcase R&B legend Lee Dorsey in a Culture Queue music fundamental.

This week on Culture Queue, we take you outside your comfort zone to deliver stories from fringe society. Producer Mitch Skinner returns from San Diego Comic-Con International to give a report on men who write for female characters. Marcheta Fornoff enters the world of competitive bodybuilding in our show's second story.
Later, Tess Weinberg joins host Mark Sheely in-studio to count down the Top 7 "curealls" because everyone gets sick, even in the summer. Jamie Nelson asks people what they would never do in this week's Question of the Week. Finally, Zach McCormick reviews the Twin Cities' hip-hop group Audioperm.

This week on Culture Queue we decided to bust out of the studio and take in the fresh air, foods, and musical sounds of the Midtown Farmer's Market along Lake Street in South Minneapolis. Producer Mitch Skinner noticed a distinct lack of commercial donut shops in Minneapolis and decided to check out the unique endeavor that is the Donut Co-op in the Seward neighborhood. For those who prefer seitan over sirloin, this week's co-host Noel Clark examines the upcoming and first ever Twin Cities Veg Fest, and new reporter Cindy Yang asks aspiring green-thumbs, "If you could grow anything, what would that be?" In the second half of our show, without the luxury of a canopy or any shade, co-hosts Mark Sheely and Noel Clark count down the top 7 ways to survive the heatwave engulfing the nation, and Tess Weinberg gets her hands dirty learning about an outreach program teaching kids how to grow fruits and vegetables.

Music featured in this show included:

Don't Look Down by Trampled By Turtles
These Days by Dr. Dog
Pastures of Plenty by Woody Guthrie
Aubergine by mewithoutYou
Hickory by Iron & Wine
Animal Farm by The Kinks

This week from Culture Queue, we're keen as mustard to bring you the thrilling conclusion of our play from across the pond. Join Sherlock, Moriarty and the rest of the crew in Culture Queue's interpretation of "The Immortal Sherlock." We promise it's a cheap as chip.

This week on Culture Queue, we join in Radio K's annual celebration of the Twin Cities Pride Parade. Our GLBTA show starts with reporter Emma Nelson examines the process of same-sex adoption. Senior Producer Zach McCormick checks out the headliner of Loring Park's Pride Festival, PennyRoyal.
In our second half, Brianna Hanson joins producer Noel Clark in counting down the Top 7 GLBTA achievements to be proud of. Alex Mehrtens ran down some of the parade attendees to ask of what they are most proud. Finally, host Mark Sheely leaves the friendly confines of the Twin Cities to check out how Pride is celebrated in rural Minnesota.

This week on Culture Queue, we "honor" the memories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Orson Welles alike with our lastest radio play. It's "The Immortal Sherlock." Listen to our best attempts at achieving suitable British Accents. Find out about a few choice products which may catch your fancy. Try to guess where we flubbed our lines. It's all great fun, and it's only part one of our epic radio drama.

This week on Culture Queue, we head into summer and bring along some scintillating stories. We start off with a report from Producer Noel Clark on strokes and the uncomfortable truth about those susceptible to them. Producers Mitch Skinner and Tess Weinberg count down the Top 7 events in Minnesota to pay attention to in the coming months. For our Question of the Week, Host and Managing Editor Mark Sheely catches up with a film crew entered in the 48 Hour Film Project and asks who they would cast in leading roles for a film about the 2012 Presidential Election.
Later, Mitch Skinner checks out how people in the industry are trying to sell books as e-readers rise rapidly and the economy rises not-so-rapidly. Finally, while it may not get the historical attention Motown does, Minnesota was once a vibrant producer of soul music. Senior Producer Zach McCormick delves into the history and formation of the Minneapolis sound.

This week on Culture Queue, we fawn over fauna, whether cute and cuddly or fearsome foes. But we start our show by looking at the artistic creations of man and the 2012 Northern Spark festival. Producer Tess Weinberg has the scoop. For our Question of the Week, new reporter Octavio Abea asks amblers what the largest animal they think they could "take" in a fight. Host Mark Sheely looks into the Wildcat Sanctuary, a home for abandoned, formerly domesticated wild cats. As Rex Banner once opined, "Baby turtles and alligators may seem like a cute idea for a pet, but they grow up!"
In our Top 7 this week, reporters Bri Hanson and Alex Mehrtens count down their least favorite pests of summer. Finally, Todd Crotty reports on beekeeping and the status of the honeybee.

This week on Culture Queue, we experienced technical difficulties (see: power outage) and dug into the archives with our adventurous live show from the Mixed Blood Theater. Producer Tess Weinberg joins Mark Sheely in hosting duties. The show begins with a review of the Mixed Blood's latest production, "Learn to be Latina." We ask audience members what satire means to them. Spencer Doar looks at the comic strip "It Is What It Is!" which is heavily inspired by the creator's experience working at the Walker Art Museum. Later, Senior Producer Zach McCormick meets with local folk musician Eric Funn to discuss his style and use of humor. Finally, producer Noel Clark checks out the Brave New Workshop Comedy Theater, a sketch improv production. Special thanks to Kyle Sisco and the Mixed Blood Theater for making our live show possible.

This week on Culture Queue, we've cooked up something good: It's our food show. Senior Producer Zach McCormick investigates the current craft beer renaissance and the storied past of beer brewing with Minnesota's Town Hall Brewery. New reporter Kelsey Kuno handles our Question of the Week, asking, "What one food do you make better than anyone else?" Producer Noel Clark examines the daily operation of a "greasy spoon" diner by spending some time with the staff and patrons of Our Kitchen in South Minneapolis.
In our Top 7 this week, we celebrate the forthcoming summer and its seasonal delights. Producer Tess Weinberg joins Zach McCormick in counting down their best ideas or new food truck menus. Finally, Culture Queue goes retro with a report from the gone-but-not-forgotten Eric Dolski, an examination of the "mouth feel" of food. Bon apetit!

This week on Culture Queue, our dedicated reporters take a much needed rest after finals, and we replay last summer's river show. Once heard but not washed up, this classic edition of Culture Queue starts with reporter Mitch Skinner taking a tour of the Mississippi's scenic spots. Marcheta Fornoff goes canoeing vicariously through the power of radio and imagination. Bri Hanson looks for the meaning in old Sconnie's Riverfest.
In our second half, Zach McCormick goes in-depth into the history of Paul Robeson's "Old Man River", and host Cristeta Boarini closes out the show by reminding us of the jazz birthplace at the hind-end of the Mississippi.

Music featured in this week's show includes:

"Blue River" by A Night in the Box
"The New Adventures of Huckleberry Finn theme" by Ted Nichols
"Adrift Not Lost" by Evening Ocean
"Saw Kill River" by Devendra Banhart
"Take a Look" by Charlie Maguire
"Black Water" by The Doobie Brothers
"Ol' Man River" by Paul Robeson
"Bourbon St. Parade" by The Southside Aces
"St. Michael vs. the Devil" by Davina and the Vagabonds
"St. James Infirmary" by Davina and the Vagabonds
"Back to Black" by The Southside Aces
"River" by Davina and the Vagabonds

This week on Culture Queue, we take our show to the streets in an exploration of protests of all kinds. Reporter Geoff Tomaino kicks off our program with an update on Occupy Wall Street from members of the 99%. Producer Tess Weinberg looks at how art has been used as a medium for protest and the humor that developed in protest pieces along the way. Senior Producer Zach McCormick joins Alex Mehrtens in the studios of KUOM to count down the Top 7 banned books (featuring no band books).
The second half this week's installment begins with a Culture Queue classic. Host of shows past, Sarah Boden, examines the true and forgotten history of Cinco de Mayo. Finally, producer Mitch Skinner reports on "Cycles of Revolution: ¡Brake the Banks!", a bike tour from Madison to Chicago to protest the NATO summit.

This week on Culture Queue, we're live at the Mixed Blood Theater. Producer Tess Weinberg joins Mark Sheely in hosting duties. The show begins with a review of the Mixed Blood's latest production, "Learn to be Latina." We ask audience members what satire means to them. Spencer Doar looks at the comic strip "It Is What It Is!" which is heavily inspired by the creator's experience working at the Walker Art Museum.
Later, Senior Producer Zach McCormick meets with local folk musician Eric Funn to discuss his style and use of humor. Finally, producer Noel Clark checks out the Brave New Workshop Comedy Theater, a sketch improv production.
Special thanks to Kyle Sisco and the Mixed Blood Theater for making our live show possible.

This week on Culture Queue, we look at life and music up North as the weather turns south. Our show begins with Georgia Lucas looking at the production of "Spring Awakening," a German rock musical about teenage sexuality, happening in the Rarig Center at the University of Minnesota. Senior Producer Zach McCormick reviews local band Is/Is and their debut album, "III." Producer Tess Weinberg and Spencer Doar count down the Top 7 inevitabilities in life to add to the current list of two, death and taxes.
In our show's second half, new reporter Geoff Tomaino asks students in Coffman Memorial Union what artist they would choose to headline the University of Minnesota's Spring Jam. Finally, producer Mitch Skinner reports on some of this year's Record Store Day celebrations.

Music featured in this week's show includes:

"Mykonos" by Fleet Foxes
"Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star
"All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles
"Baby (feat. Ludacris)" by Justin Bieber
"Do It To It" by Jackie Harris
"Music Is Math" by Boards of Canada
"Minneap'lis, Minnesota" by Rufus Lumley
Music from "Spring Awakening"
And select tracks from Is/Is

This week on Culture Queue, we offer a super series of stories for our listening faithful. To start our show, producer Noel Clark explores the world, specifically the streets of Minneapolis, as blind people experience it. Producer Tess Weinberg looks at the common tie of super-science and supervillains in comics.
In the second half of our show, our station's "Real College Radio" tag becomes evident as Emma Nelson joins host Mark Sheely in counting down the Top 7 areas in which parents should step back from their kids' activities. New reporter Joey Pearlman handles our Question of the Week, asking what the weirdest thing people ever found was. Finally, host Mark Sheely looks at the process of finding lost items, specifically a $40,000 cello.

This week on Culture Queue, we're all over the entertainment scene, covering games, music, movies and more.The show begins with producer Zach McCormick's exploration of local songstress Chastity Brown, who is making waves with her new album, "Back-Road Highways." Alex Mehrtens reviews Marie Losier's documentary directorial debut, "The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye," a tale of relationship and physical metamorphosis. Producer Noel Clark joins Zach McCormick in counting down the Top 7 opportunities we missed with 2011-12's mild Winter.
In our second half, reporter Spencer Doar braves enthusiastic competitors and errant throws to report on the Minneapolis Pick-up Dodgeball League. Finally, producer Mitch Skinner examines the state of table top games, and those who play them, in an internet age.

Music featured in this week's show includes:

"True Love" by Toots and the Maytals (feat. Bonnie Raitt)
"Chariots of Fire" by the Bad Plus
"Baby It's Cold Outside (Remix)" by Louis and Velma
"So Stiff" by Dial Up
"Jeepster" by T. Rex
"Trap Door (Instrumental)" by Jake One
"Great Times" by Jeremy Messersmith
"Get Down" by Nas
"I Feel Good" by James Brown
"Nowhere to Run" by Marta Reeves and the Vandellas
"Sick Cinema" by Vakill
"House Been Burnin'," "Lift Us," and live music from Chastity Brown

This week on Culture Queue, we're back from Spring break, and we've got stories to tell. We start off with a report from Saoirse McMahon on the intricacies in the interesting world of the Rubik's Cube community. Radio K's program director, Caleigh Souhan, joins show producer Tess Weinberg in counting down their Top 7 favorite moments of the film, interactive and music festival South by Southwest.
The second half of the show kicks off with our Question of the Week. Producer Noel Clark asks what people would title their biography, if given the opportunity. Later, reporter Britney Hansen explores some of the subtle antisemitism in Minnesota. Finally, Culture Queue's host, Mark Sheely, explores working alternatives to CPR.

Music featured in this week's show includes:

"Never Meant" by American Football
"Multiply and Divide" by The Soviettes
"Dig Your Grave" by The Pharmacy
"Stayin' Alive" by The Bee Gees
"Exit Music (For A Film)" by Radiohead
"First Breath After Coma" by Explosions in the Sky

This week on Culture Queue, producers Zach McCormick and Mitch Skinner takeover hosting duties for our Spring break show. We start things off with a report from producer Tess Weinberg on local independent record label Secret Stash Records. In a special Top 7 this week, Alex Mehrtens previews some of the most anticipated movie releases of 2012 and adds his two cents to boot. Producer Noel Clark looks at the importance of music selection in creating an ambiance for restaurants and bars.
In the second half, new reporter Spencer Doar takes to the street for our question of the week, asking people what the first record they bought was. To end our show, producer Mitch Skinner looks at the movement in Minnesota to extend military burial rights in state and federal cemeteries to Hmong and Lao veterans of the "Secret War."

Songs used in this week's show include:

"Talkatif" by Antibalas
"Talk Is Cheap" by Calibro 35
"The Swish" by the Hold Steady
"Stand Up" by Ashley Gold
"Deep Breath Deep Breath" by Lotus Juice, Yumi Kawamura
"Wild World" by Cat Stevens
"Attitude" by Bad Brains
"Trying to Find a Balance" by Atmosphere
"The Mighty Fine" by Oddjobs
"Won't Back Down" by Johnny Cash
"Oh! How The Dogs Stack Up" by Mogwai
"America The Beautiful" by Keb' Mo'
"The Thief" by Food Pyramid

This week on Culture Queue, we start your Spring Break celebration early. The show starts with producer Zach McCormick checks out the Trylon Microcinema, a local screener of classic and independent films. Reporter Emma Nelson looks into the "unethical" business of outside essay writing.
The show's second half kicks off with the question of the week. New reporter Saiorse McMahon asks passersby what class they would let someone else take for them. In honor of the reactions to Kony 2012, producer Mitch Skinner joins host Mark Sheely to count down the Top 7 failed social media campaigns. Finally, reporter Todd Crotty previews the upcoming theater season.

This week on Culture Queue, we pay tribute to former host Cristeta Boarini, as senior producer Zach McCormick joins Mark Sheely in hosting duties.
Our show begins with a montage of clips of Cristeta's memorable hosting. We then get into her classic stories, starting with a report on knit tagging, aptly described as, "graffiti...with knit fabrics."
The second half of our show kicks off with one of Cristeta's most celebrated pieces, an analysis of the description "East African male." Later on, the studio gets a little more crowded as Cristeta joins Mark as a special guest looking at life after Radio K. Our last story from our gone, but not forgotten, host looks at holiday meal traditions in Minnesota.
Also featured in this week's show were personal stories from producers Zach McCormick and Mitch Skinner recounting their best memories of Cristeta Boarini.

Don't you hate being on the other end of a pre-recorded message? Now imagine that recording is asking for your money. It's pledge driving time here at Radio K, and rather than simply recording a show telling you to donate to Real College Radio, we thought this would be a great chance to do something that Culture Queue has never done before: a live show! Producers Tess Weinberg and Zach McCormick join host Mark Sheely this week presenting some of the best work that Culture Queue has produced, and all in front of a hot mic. Todd Crotty also stops in with the top 7 reasons you should become a Radio K member.
Featured this week is Chris Marshall's tale of a special canine racing competition, a piecev from Cristeta Boarini on the long and lustrous history of KUOM, a spendthrifty Question of the Week from new reporter Monica Jones. In the second half of our show, Producer Zach McCormick reintroduces us to Art School Girls, a local hip hop collective that neither attend art school nor are girls; and finally an excerpt from "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy," Culture Queue's first foray into radio drama.

This week on Culture Queue, we journey through both physical distance as well as time, all through the magic of radio!
Our show starts with a Mardi Gras tailgate of sorts. Reporter Noel Clark gives a taste of some authentic Cajun cooking right in your back yard (provided you live in the Twin Cities area)! After dinner, we catch a show with Zach McCormick as he reports on a fundamental New Orleans musician, Dr. John. Tess Weinberg joins host Mark Sheely in counting down the Top 7 U.S. presidents we probably won't be thinking of on President's Day.
In our second act, new reporter Britney Hanson asks where you would choose to flee if you had to leave the country in our Question of the Week. Later, Alex Mehrtens gets behind the scenes in his examination of filmmakers who choose to set their movies in Minnesota. Finally, we take a look at what happens when culture makes the long journey overseas as reporter Mitch Skinner examines the process of translating texts from Japanese to American audiences.

Songs used in this week's show include:

"Here Comes The Meter Man" by The Meters
"The Dummy Song" by Louis Armstrong
"I'm Ready to Play" by Buckwheat Zydeco
"Merci Mon Dieu [Thank You My God]" by Michael Doucet/Sady Courville
"Loop Garoo" by Dr. John
"Tipitina" by Dr. John
"I Walk on Guilded Splinters" by Dr. John
"Mama Roux" by Dr. John
"Iko Iko" by Dr. John
"Qualified" by Dr. John
"Such a Night" by Dr. John
"Presidents' Song" by Harry Shearer
"On The Run" by Jungle Brothers
"Journey Into The West" (from the Princess Mononoke soundtrack) by Joe Hisaishi
"Kaneda" (from the Akira soundtrack) by Geino Yamashirogumi
"The Young Man from the East" (from the Princess Mononoke soundtrack) by Joe Hisaishi
"Hold On" by Yellow Ostrich

This week on Culture Queue, we lovingly offer a bouquet of forget-me-not entertainment, just because we care. The first story we pick for you comes from Senior Producer Zach McCormick, who shares his experience in Stupor Bowl Minneapolis 2012, a menagerie of bike riding and drinking enthusiasts. Later in our show, the lives and experiences of ROTC students are detailed by reporter Emma Nelson.
The second half of this week's box o' goodies starts with producer Noel Clark partnering with Mark Sheely to pick out the Top 7 events that occurred on Valentine's Days past. While love and cheer may be in the air for many, it may require some effort. In our Question of the Week, new reporter Zach Biessner asks passersby how they fight the winter blues. Finally we look at expectations versus reality and those that have succeeded in marrying the two, in producer Tess Weinberg's latest story, an examination of hip parents.

This week on Culture Queue, producer Noel Clark travels to the depths of purgatory to glimpse the creative force behind "Dying to Make It," a rock opera about the life and death in the music business. Host Mark Sheely finds out that more families in the Twin Cities are "food insecure" and talks with dietitian and Ph.D. candidate Meg Bruening about what that means.
In the second half of our show, producers Zach McCormick and Tess Weinberg contemplate the demise of Groundhog Day star Punxtawney Phil and what animal should replace him. New reporter Alex Mehrtens asks "what day would you relive again and again?" in our Question of the Week. Finally, if you're still not swamped with homework, Todd Crotty gives a rundown of a few U of M student groups worth your time.

Songs used in this week's show include:

"Sparks" by the Who
"Tabla" by John Brion
"Brainy" by the National
"Complicated Shadows" by Elvis Costello
"No Particular Place to Go" by Chuck Berry
"Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
"Beach Party" by the VibroChamps
"She Blinded me with Science" Thomas Dolby
"You Never Can Tell" by Chuck Berry
and excerpts from the rock opera "Dying to Make It"

This week on Culture Queue, we offer the first of many shows this year featuring entirely new stories. Our show begins with Tess Weinberg examining initial reactions to The Brick, a new music venue in downtown Minneapolis. We then catch a ride with reporter Zach McCormick over to the other twin city, St. Paul, where we check out 651's Eclipse Records, the record store located in the Midway. Later, Culture Queue's newest reporter, Emma Nelson, asks students of the University of Minnesota what they think when they see their fellow students in uniform.
The second half of the show begins with Mitch Skinner joining in studio as host Mark Sheely recounts his vacation to Brazil with this week's Top 7. Finally, our show ends with Mitch Skinner examining how fencing morphed from bloody dueling into a sport and Olympic competition.

This week on Culture Queue, we take a look back at some American history you may not have learned in grade school in a rerun of part one of our alternative Black History Month. The show starts with Zach McCormick recounting the important but unfortunately forgotten American pop singer Lee Dorsey. Todd Crotty looks at the americanization of Native Americans their later return to their roots. Zach McCormick and host Cristeta Boarini close out the first half of the show by counting down the top 7 quintessentially American things invented in other places.
In the second half, Mark Sheely examines racial casting in American theater and the impulse to go against the norm, and Eric Dolski investigates the challenges of multiracial individuals.

This week on Culture Queue, we hark back on some of the premier stories from Radio K's consummate producer and reporter, Eric Dolski. Though he is leaving for greener pastures (see: the "real" world), we can still enjoy his stories on food tastes and mixed heritage. His dry humor is a highlight, particularly in the faux-advertisement for shampoo.
Later, we continue our celebration of one of Culture Queue's finest by featuring one of Dolski's favorite story topics, NaNoWriMo, a marathon of novel writing. Finally our retrospective ends with Eric Dolski analyzing why an employee might choose to accept a promotion with no pay increase.

This week on Culture Queue, we feature a classic episode in which reporter Tess Weinberg examines the funnier side of Adolf Hitler. Joe Krall talks with a photographer of over 15 Nobel Prize winners. Monica Castleman ends the first half with a question, asking U of M students what food they miss most.
Later, Yi Chin Lee analyzes the impact social media has on our interactions. We count down the top 7 New Year's resolutions we're already breaking with Cristeta Boarini and Shelby Thomason, and while the season may be over for the Minnesota Vikings, reporter Zach McCormick ends the show with a look at another event to enjoy in the Winter months: the Stupor Bowl.

This week on Culture Queue, Zach and Mitch take the hosting reigns. Our reporters look into the new year and examine the ways in which we can start anew. To begin our show, reporter Noel Clark takes us home to meet his family, looking at the new traditions they can create together. We then journey out West, where Tess Weinberg asks Arizonans what their favorite moment of 2011 was. Mitch Skinner offers a reairing of a story, approptiately enough, on the nature of repetition in his and our lives.
Culture Queue's second half begins with Shelby Thomason joining Zach McCormick in studio to count down our largest collective regrets of 2011. Finally reporter Yi Chin Lee offers some perspective to our 2012 new beginning by looking back at the immigration of Chinese people into a new culture.

This week on Culture Queue, winter break is almost here, and Mark Sheely steps in to host this show. Because you shouldn't start anything on an empty stomach, we begin with reporter Tess Weinberg's story on the new pop-up restaurant "Clandestine," and learn how this secret supper club functions as it moves from place to place. Nailah Taman then joins host Mark Sheely in the studio to discuss how homeless advocate Michael Lee uses his poetry to raise awareness of youths living on the street. If any classes this semester were bringing you down, in our Question of the Week we ask, if you could create your own class, what would it be? And to close the first half of the show, Cristeta Boarini tours the Summit Brewing Company and learns how beer goes from grains to glass.
In the second half of our show, Tess Weinberg and Mark Sheely count down the top 7 gifts you can now appreciate as an adult, and reporters Eric Dolski and Mitch Skinner team up to brave the underground passages of the Gopher Way.

This week on Culture Queue, we feature the first stories of some of our storied reporters. Mark Sheely starts the show off by talking with Muslim women looking to build awareness of hijabs during Hijab for a Day. Tess Weinberg interviews critically-acclaimed collage musicians The Books. Bri Hanson looks at why Minneapolis and Minnesota overall are two of the best places in America to be, and Zach McCormick closes out the show with a story about the Electric Fetus' 2009 benefit concert to repair tornado damage.

This week on Culture Queue, spring is in the air (translation: we're reairing a spring episode). We start the show off with a story by Eric Dolski about the worldwide indifference in regards to Swedish cuisine. Reporter Monica Castleman reminds us that not all Twin Cities restaurants are national chains, and we ask U of M students, "If April showers bring May flowers, what comes after that?" In the second half of the show, host Cristeta Boarini and Tess Weinberg count down the top 7 foreign holidays we Americans use as excuses to drink, Joe Krall goes over just where we stand privacy-wise when it comes to internet use, and Mark Sheely bids an official adieu to the movie rentals of the bygone past.

This week on Culture Queue, we recognize it's the season for traveling. Music reporter Zach McCormick starts the show off by featuring a few songs to keep on your car's tape deck/mp3 player as winter gets darker and darker. Shaun Neppl looks into how and why thieves are snagging phones from light rail passengers, and host Cristeta Boarini, having gone to North Dakota to visit family, asks, "Why visit North Dakota?" In the second half of the show, Brody Howard takes a ride on one of Minneapolis' Pedicabs, and Noel Clark reminds us why we only go trainhopping vicariously.

This week on Culture Queue, we get our first taste of the holidays by looking to the past. Mark Sheely cohosts with Cristeta Boarini.
Kim Thompson starts the show off by looking and how swords are forged at one of Minneapolis' most prominent blacksmiths. Marcheta Fornoff then puts one foot in front of the other as she talks with a local cobbler (person, not dessert). We close out the first half of the show by asking U of M students, "What's your favorite part of the holidays?"
In the second half, Mark Sheely looks at where the stones of a long-demolished building have ended up, Cristeta Boarini and Brody Howard count down the top 7 most awkward holiday conversations, and Tess Weinberg looks at how food factors into remembering and celebrating the past.

This week on Culture Queue, we put the "art" in The Arts Show that Rocks. We start the show off with a story by new reporter Georgia Lucas about young people's appreciation of art at the Walker Art Center. Then, Jessica Lehman covers the Baby Marx puppet show and outlines how red-blooded Americans have recently grown fond of the bearded philosopher. To close out the first half of the show, Shelby Thomason and host Cristeta Boarini count down the top 7 local cafes that also function as art galleries.
In the second half, Eric Dolski participates in National Novel Writing Month, and Cristeta Boarini gets familiar with the Art-O-Mat: a vending machine for art.

This week on Culture Queue, we feature a made-for-radio episode of The Green Hornet! See genuine drama, hear authentic mid-century accents (yes, that's how people really sounded back then!) and be entertained like never before! You'll forget why radio drama ever faded away!

This week on Culture Queue, it's (almost) Halloween! We start the show off with new reporter Noel Clark, who proves that the anxiety of marriage on Halloween is, in fact, completely different from conventional fear on Halloween. Then, host Cristeta Boarini and reporter Mitch Skinner count down the top 7 misunderstood monsters.
In the second half of the show, Cristeta goes down into the "corporate jungles of suburbia" to find out the connection between Halloween and candy, we ask U of M students, "How old is too old to trick-or-treat?" and music reporter Zach McCormick closes out the show by featuring a few famous musicians' creepy swan songs.

This week on Culture Queue, we feature stories from past episodes based on the theme of surprise: surprising facts, surprising stories, and surprising ways of skiing. Mitch Skinner cohosts with regular host Cristeta Boarini.
We start the show off with a look at turkey races in Worthington courtesy of reporter Marcheta Fornoff. Zach McCormick then features a few love songs that don't mean what you think they mean, and we ask U of M locals, "What mascot would you replace Goldie with?"
In the second half of the show, Joe Krall talks with a U of M data expert about how to keep your computer safe from the pandemoniac dangers of the internet, and Chris Marshall goes skijoring: skiing with dogs.

This week on Culture Queue, reporter Chris Marshall starts the show off with a piece about a ubiquitous (25 points) board game and its competent (19 points) competitors (20 points). Eric Dolski interviews the husband-and-wife team of "social thriller" film Four Boxes. Host Sarah Boden and Ilana Ostrin count down the top 7 best ways to get free food on campus. Kevin Ryan starts off the second half of the show by checking out a hunka-hunka burning iron at the Minneapolis Iron Pour, Brady Nyhus takes a tour of the University Avenue Project, and Zach McCormick interviews members of local folk band Alas Alas.

This week on Culture Queue, we start the show off with an REM retrospective courtesy of music reporter Zach McCormick. Shelby Thomason comes next with a story about the power of coffee in building social movements. Then, reporter Eric Dolski and U of M president Eric Kaler count down the top 7 must-haves for the college dorm room.
In the second half of the show, Tess Weinberg begins her journey to find the perfect bike (soul-bike?), and Mitch Skinner unravels the super-secret existence of America's "geeky girl".

This week on Culture Queue, reporter Tess Weinberg holds a joint session of Culture Queue-gress with regular host Cristeta Boarini. The show's theme is "college", and we take a look back at some of Culture Queue's best college-related content. Shelby Thomason starts off the show with a story about the nature and circumstance of that beany nectar called coffee. Then, lovebirds Katie Dyson and Josh Ellis go on a date night where you, the listener, can experience being a third wheel. Monica Castleman closes out the first half of the show by investigating a U of M class focusing on the biology of sex.
In the second half, Tess and Cristeta count down the top 7 reoccuring thoughts in a college student's mind, we ask U of M students about their worst roommates, and reporter Zach McCormick profiles the U of M's Four Square Club.

This week on Culture Queue, we start the show off with a story by reporter Mitch Skinner about Surly Brewery's local influence on beer and politics. Host Cristeta Boarini and Radio K Program Director Jon Schober count down the top 7 reasons to donate to Radio K during this season's pledge drive, and Kristin Carlson reports on vilification tennis, an untamed insult exchange. In the second half of the show, Kevin Ryan recaps Powershift, a youth-based climate conference in Washington D.C. Tess Weinberg has an abbreviated vicarious experience of publishing and being published, and Zach McCormick ends the show with a feature on St. Paul's own hip-hopping Heiruspecs.

If we told you this was a rerun, would you believe us? This week on Culture Queue, we start the show off with a story by Eric Dolski about that familiar tongue across our lips: the language of English. Cristeta Boarini then looks into Lush Life, a local production that sheds light on the jazz canon. Host Sarah Boden and reporter Shelby Thomason close out the first half the show with the top 7 ways to spend that extra hour after Daylight Saving Time. In the second half the show, Eric Dolski writes frantically for National Novel Writing Month, Anna Plaunt looks into Dia de los Muertos, and Zach McCormick analyzes The Foreign Exchange's album, Authenticity.

This week on Culture Queue, we students reflect on 9/11 and its long, long aftermath. Marcheta Fornoff talks with three students who remember 9/11 and the effect it had on them. Mark Sheely reminds us how Minnesotans gave help to 9/11 victims. Shelby Thomason brings in a lighter note by counting down the top 7 worst 9/11 tribute songs, and Mitch Skinner closes out the show by talking with local Muslims about how they were affected by the event.

This week on Culture Queue, we start the show off with a feature by Zach McCormick about the riches and perils of Record Store Day. We ask a few U of M students to describe their worst roommate (spoiler: hoarders). Reporter Yi Chin Lee looks at the future business of local sports stores near the ailing Metrodome. Joe Krall contrasts the Virginia Tech shooting aftermath with the preventive measures the U is taking to keep students safe, and Todd Crotty talks with a few contestants of the reality TV show "America's Got Talent".

This week on Culture Queue, we feature our second radio drama of the season: The Green Hornet! See genuine drama, hear authentic mid-century accents (yes, that's how people really sounded back then!) and be entertained like never before! You'll forget why radio drama ever faded away!

This week on Culture Queue, we start the show off with a story by Eric Dolski about the worldwide indifference in regards to Swedish cuisine. Reporter Monica Castleman reminds us that not all Twin Cities restaurants are national chains, and we ask U of M students, "If April showers bring May flowers, what comes after that?" In the second half of the show, host Cristeta Boarini and Tess Weinberg count down the top 7 foreign holidays we Americans use as excuses to drink, Joe Krall goes over just where we stand privacy-wise when it comes to internet use, and Mark Sheely bids an official adieu to the movie rentals of the bygone past.

Songs used in this week's show:
Heart of Stone by the Raveonettes
Swedish Wedding March by Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire
Winter in El Corazon by The Sunny Era
Tomboy by Panda Bear
Late Anthropocene by Brian Eno
Abdication! by the Lucksmiths
Ghostbusters by Ray Parker, Jr.
Flying into the Sun by Crystal Stilts

This week on Culture Queue, Zach McCormick starts the show off by interviewing superlocal hip-hop trio Art School Girls. Eric Dolski then talks with two classically-trained musicians about where their passion led them - in one case, acupuncture. Then, we ask Minneapolitans, "What's the best accent?"
In the second half of the show, Mitch Skinner and Eric Dolski count down the top 7 things not to do during summer, and foreign correspondent Tess Weinberg compares the personal displays of affection in Argentina to those of the US.

This week on Culture Queue, a self-aware timewarp: reporter Eric Dolski starts the show off with a short analysis of fair use in (his) everyday work. Zach McCormick post-views some of the bands featured at South by Southwest 2011, outgoing U of M president Bob Bruininks counts down the top 7 best eats on campus, and Todd Crotty reminds us how the tons and tons of snow on campus get shoveled every winter. In the second half of the show, Tess Weinberg asks what some post-adolescent, pre-octogenarians did on their spring breaks of yesteryear, Shelby Thomason interviews a remarkably good-natured bus driver, and Cristeta Boarini is treated to the honks of tomorrow by the Duck and Goose Calling Club.

This week on Culture Queue, we start the show off with some diamond-hard analysis of the U of M's housing situation, courtesy of reporter Brady Merne. Then, we get significantly softer when we ask locals "What's your go-to hangover cure?" Courtney Johns closes out the first half with an inaugural story about St. Paul artistry and artist in residence Marcus Young.
In the latter half of the show, Bri Hanson and host Cristeta Boarini count down the top 7 river-dwelling animals in the state, and Cristeta closes things out with a short history of Radio K, WMMR, and U of M radio altogether. Fun fact: did you know Radio K is the oldest noncommercial radio station in the country?

This week on Culture Queue... hark, the ghost of Christmas Past! We start the show off with a story by Cristeta Boarini that features the most ubiquitous of holiday food groups: the meats. Tamara Marcus asks U of M students, "Who are you least looking forward to seeing over the holidays?" Zach McCormick and Sarah Boden count up the top 7 grievances of the year, Joe Krall reminisces about holiday cookies, Sarah Boden learns more about Jesus's mom than she ever thought she needed to know, and Zach McCormick closes out the show by bringing to our attention Christmas music that hasn't been played a hundred million times already.

This week on Culture Queue, we feature "the river" in all its forms, functions, and flowings. Reporter Mitch Skinner starts the show off by taking a tour of the Mississippi's scenic spots. Marcheta Fornoff goes canoeing vicariously through the power of radio and imagination. Bri Hanson looks for the meaning in old Sconnie's Riverfest, Zach McCormick goes in-depth into the history of Paul Robeson's "Old Man River", and host Cristeta Boarini closes out the show by reminding us of the jazz birthplace at the hind-end of the Mississippi.

Songs featured in this week's show:
"Blue River" by A Night in the Box
"The New Adventures of Huckleberry Finn theme" by Ted Nichols
"Adrift Not Lost" by Evening Ocean
"Saw Kill River" by Devendra Banhart
"Take a Look" by Charlie Maguire
"Black Water" by The Doobie Brothers
"Ol' Man River" by Paul Robeson
"Bourbon St. Parade" by The Southside Aces
"St. Michael vs. the Devil" by Davina and the Vagabonds
"St. James Infirmary" by Davina and the Vagabonds
"Back to Black" by The Southside Aces
"River" by Davina and the Vagabonds

This week on Culture Queue, we remember last summer right now-abouts. Sophia Anastazievsky gets a taste of freeganism, where one man's trash is another man's treasure. Host Sarah Boden and Radio K staff member Kyle Potter give tips on how to sublease outside the long arm of the law. Joe Krall asks "What scares you most about your government?" Sarah Boden tours a storm drain just because she can, and Zach McCormick breaks down pub rock band The 101ers.

This week on Culture Queue, we celebrate and denigrate bureaucracy; Eric Dolski subs for regular host Cristeta Boarini. The show starts off with a story by Mark Sheely, who looks at the trials of refugees who have to navigate a formidable American bureaucracy. Monica Castleman talks with an artist who makes art on the street without defacing public property. For the question of the week, we ask Minneapolitan locals to describe some of their drivers license mishaps. Zach McCormick bridges the two halves of the show by counting down the top 7 music-related censorshippings. Censorshipping is totally a word. Look it up. On second thought, don't.
In the second half, Cristeta Boarini talks with local grant-winners who make a case for funding the arts, and Eric Dolski looks at a new trend in the office: promotions without additional pay.

Music featured in this week's show:
Lady by Fela Kuti
Larmes by Akira Kosemura
Golden Rule by Charles Bradley
No Agreement by Fela Kuti
Number Two Free Quarter Note - Chiara String Quartet
Alone Again (Naturally) by Gilbert O'Sullivan

This week on Culture Queue, hearken back to a host before Boarini: outgone host Sarah Boden spearheads this reru-... rereleased classic. We start the show off with a story about the cheapest art you'll find this side of a Hershey bar, courtesy of the Art-o-Matic. Brady Nyhus talks with Of Montreal bassist Davey Pierce about the group's new album as well as about Thai food. Joe Krall asks unknowing passersby what the Washington Avenue Bridge shoe tree is all about, and Yi Chin Lee asks, "Where do you buy your clothes?" In the second half of the show, host Sarah Boden talks with AMPERS aficionado Todd Melby and counts down the top 7 AMPERS radio clips, Cristeta interviews the president of the U of M's Duck & Goose Calling Club, and Zach McCormick previews some of Radio K's favorite upcoming fall releases.

This week on Culture Queue, we enjoy the good weather while it lasts. Zach McCormick starts the show off with a retrospective of innovative recently-deceased rapper Eyedea - of Eyedea & Abilities. Tess Weinberg sends an audio telegram-esque countdown of her top 7 culture shock moments while studying in distant Argentina. Host Cristeta Boarini talks with the writer of Word: the Urban Musical, which premiered at last year's Fringe Festival.
In the second half of the show, we ask U of M students, "What are your favorite summer jams?" and by jams we mean music. Bri Hanson delves further into what makes Minnesota great and why it's getting such good press lately. Lastly, Mitch Skinner closes out the show with a story about repetition and why he (and the rest of us) play Pokemon so much.

Music featured in this week's show: Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine by The White Stripes
La Revancha del Tango by Gotan Project
Devil’s Advocate by Toki Wright
Honey Bun by Reba McEntire and Alec Baldwin
Today is the Day by Yo La Tengo
(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
I’m Gonna Miss Minneapolis by Vic Volare
Say Shh by Atmosphere
"[Star Wars] Main Theme" by John Williams
"Pokemon Theme" by Jason Paige
God Only Knows (Beach Boys Cover) by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

Do you like updated things? New things? Perfected things? Then listen to our HD, 3-D sound, supa-awesome excellent remastered edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy radio play! Now with more ambient sounds, softer world-ends, and louder money-handling!

This week on Culture Queue: The BBC's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy radio play, revamped! Listen in awe as Culture Queue reporters and producers talk in British accents! Hear old-time radio commercials from various eras! Rediscover the wonders 1970's British comedy! This week, on Culture Queue!

This week on Culture Queue, we start the show off with Marcheta Fornoff, who looks at the local world of interactive art. Monica Castleman continues that line of thought with a feature on Minneapolis' Art-O-Whirl (check out homeiswherethe-art-is.com and nemaa.org/ for more info).
Host Cristeta Boarini starts second half of the show off with a star-powered interview involving eight precious minutes of Jimmy Fallon, we ask U of M students "What's your summer hangout spot?", and Zach McCormick features two up-and-coming new musical acts: Shane Bader, and Bambi and the Tin Man.

Music featured in this week's show:
Only the Good Die Young by Billy Joel
Modern Art by the Black Lips
History of Rap Medley by Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake
School's Out For Summer by Alice Cooper

This week on Culture Queue, we invoke a paradox as we begin the summer break with a themed show about reruns that is actually a rerun itself. Did we blow your mind yet? If not, stay tuned: Brady Nyhus goes to Palmer's Bar to hear a band that can't help but recur, Cristeta Boarini goes to the weekly Minneapolis showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Katie Dyson investigates a mysterious smell that's been plaguing her weekly runs. Host Sarah Boden tries to figure out the recent obsession with zombie culture, we count down the top 7 thrift shops in the Twin Cities, and Zach McCormick closes out the show by interviewing members of the band Autolux.

This week on Culture Queue, Todd Crotty starts the show off by featuring We Can And We Must, an electronic music duo that's heavy on the electronic and just as heavy on the music. Then, we ask U of M students, "What are you most excited for now that summer's here?" To end the first half of the show, host Cristeta Boarini and Marcheta Fornoff count down the top 7 procrastination techniques for finals. In the second half, Monica Castleman talks with a wig-maker about her wigspertise, and Zach McCormick remembers British punk Poly Styrene and the X-Ray Spex.

Songs used in this week's show:
Your Mother Should Know by The Beatles
Hey Mama Wolf by Devendra Banhart
Mama Told Me (Not to Come) by Three Dog Night
Decatur, Or, One More Round of Applause for Your Stepmother! by Sufjan Stevens
I Wanna Be the Boy to Warm Your Mother's Heart by The White Stripes

This week on Culture Queue, we start the show off with a story by Eric Dolski about the worldwide indifference in regards to Swedish cuisine. Reporter Monica Castleman reminds us that not all Twin Cities restaurants are national chains, and we ask U of M students, "If April showers bring May flowers, what comes after that?" In the second half of the show, host Cristeta Boarini and Tess Weinberg count down the top 7 foreign holidays we Americans use as excuses to drink, Joe Krall goes over just where we stand privacy-wise when it comes to internet use, and Mark Sheely bids an official adieu to the movie rentals of the bygone past.

Songs used in this week's show:
Heart of Stone by the Raveonettes
Swedish Wedding March by Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire
Winter in El Corazon by The Sunny Era
Tomboy by Panda Bear
Late Anthropocene by Brian Eno
Abdication! by the Lucksmiths
Ghostbusters by Ray Parker, Jr.
Flying into the Sun by Crystal Stilts

This week on Culture Queue, we start the show off with a story by reporter Mitch Skinner about Surly Brewery's local influence on beer and politics. Host Cristeta Boarini and Radio K Program Director Jon Schober count down the top 7 reasons to donate to Radio K during this season's pledge drive, and Kristin Carlson reports on vilification tennis, an untamed insult exchange. In the second half of the show, Kevin Ryan recaps Powershift, a youth-based climate conference in Washington D.C. Tess Weinberg has an abbreviated vicarious experience of publishing and being published, and Zach McCormick ends the show with a feature on St. Paul's own hip-hopping Heiruspecs.

This week on Culture Queue, reporter Marcheta Fornoff starts the show off with a story about the value of silence in today's post-quiet society. We ask U of M students "What kind of criminal would you (hypothetically) like to be?" Host Cristeta Boarini and Monica Castleman count down the top 7 mascots who should replace our semi-beloved gopher, Cristeta talks with "Whose U" reps about university diversity policy, and Eric Dolski and Mark Sheely close out the show with a feature about the Twin Cities homebrew scene.

This week on Culture Queue, we start the show off with a feature by Zach McCormick about the riches and perils of Record Store Day. We ask a few U of M students to describe their worst roommate (spoiler: hoarders). Reporter Yi Chin Lee looks at the future business of local sports stores near the ailing Metrodome. Joe Krall contrasts the Virginia Tech shooting aftermath with the preventive measures the U is taking to keep students safe, and Todd Crotty talks with a few contestants of the reality TV show "America's Got Talent".

This week on Culture Queue, reporter Monica Castleman starts the show off with a story about the U of M's probably awkward but definitely informative "Biology of Sex" class. Mark Sheely looks into how graffiti is viewed by people who aren't vandals, and reporter Kristin Carlson and host Cristeta Boarini count down the top 7 weirdest things we've found in the snowmelt of campus. In the second half of the show, Shelby Thomason features the 1419 gallery in a story about experimental art, we ask U of M students "what's the best April Fools prank you've ever seen?" and Mitch Skinner considers how comics and comic books work as a medium.

This week on Culture Queue, reporter Eric Dolski starts the show off with a short analysis of fair use in (his) everyday work. Zach McCormick post-views some of the bands featured at South by Southwest 2011, outgoing U of M president Bob Bruininks counts down the top 7 best eats on campus, and Todd Crotty reminds us how the tons and tons of snow on campus get shoveled every winter. In the second half of the show, Tess Weinberg asks what some post-adolescent, pre-octogenarians did on their spring breaks of yesteryear, Shelby Thomason interviews a remarkably good-natured bus driver, and Cristeta Boarini is treated to the honks of tomorrow by the Duck and Goose Calling Club.

This week on Culture Queue, we feature a thing many of us have a love-hate relationship with: marketing. Shelby Thomason starts the show off with a highly abbreviated overview of economic systems in the Twin Cities, Cristeta Boarini finds out that museums can throw parties in their off-seasons, and host Sarah Boden discovers that the black market is closer than you think. In the second half of the show, Marcheta Fornoff asks, "What kind of deal would it take for you to injure someone on Black Friday?", Joe Hau looks into why the NFL may be facing a lockout in 2011, Sarah Boden and Shelby Thomason count down the top 7 ways to wake yourself up after the food coma that is Thanksgiving, and Joe Krall ends the show by asking a few former U of M representatives about how the U chooses to market itself.

This week on Culture Queue, winter fades as spring springs. Mark Sheely starts the show off by looking into the work of music therapists at the U. An interview with outgoing U of M President Bob Bruininks explains, among other things, why he keeps a huge walleye in his office. Then, we ask students to tell us their parting words to winter.
In the second half of the show, Zach McCormick and Monica Castleman count down the top 7 reasons to be excited for spring. Host Cristeta Boarini outlines the life of master swing dancer Frankie Manning, and Tess Weinberg looks into a distant cousin of resume building: obituary building.

This week on Culture Queue, we take a look at American history the way grade school never taught it. Zach McCormick starts the show off with a retrospective of unjustly-forgotten American pop singer Lee Dorsey. Todd Crotty outlines the way in which Native Americans were Americanized and later able to return to their roots. Zach McCormick and host Cristeta Boarini close out the first half of the show by counting down the top 7 quintessentially American things invented in other places. In the second half, Mark Sheely looks into the norms of racial casting in American theater, and Eric Dolski investigates whether being multiracial is still a challenge in today's society.

This week on Culture Queue, we get a second spoonful of alternative Black History Month goodness. Yi Chin Lee starts the show off by highlighting one of Minnesota's earliest immigrants: the Chinese. Then, we ask U of M students, "What part of your heritage makes you proud?" Joe Krall looks back at the work of revolutionary and anti-colonialist Franz Fanon, Marcheta Fornoff profiles two local Bosnian guitarist twin sisters, and Tamara Marcus delves into the history of pioneering black film director Melvin Van Peebles.

This week on Culture Queue, we take a look at American history the way grade school never taught it. Zach McCormick starts the show off with a retrospective of unjustly-forgotten American pop singer Lee Dorsey. Todd Crotty outlines the way in which Native Americans were Americanized and later able to return to their roots. Zach McCormick and host Cristeta Boarini close out the first half of the show by counting down the top 7 quintessentially American things invented in other places. In the second half, Mark Sheely looks into the norms of racial casting in American theater, and Eric Dolski investigates whether being multiracial is still a challenge in today's society.

This week on Culture Queue, we feature stories about every single person's least favorite holiday: Valentines Day. Shelby Thomason starts the show off with an overview of how Twin Cities coffee works, Monica Castleman throws off her spoken-for status to experience single life for a day, and we ask U of M students, "What would be your perfect Valentine's day?" In the second half of the show, Zach McCormick highlights a few love songs that aren't much about love at all, host Cristeta Boarini and Tess Weinberg count down the top 7 things not to do on Valentine's day (hint: no movies allowed) and Marcheta Fornoff closes out the show by explaining the good, bad, and ugly in love poetry.

This week on Culture Queue, Tess Weinberg starts the show off with an analysis of the humor of Hitler. Joe Krall then interviews Doug Knutson, photographer of over 15 Nobel Prize winners. Monica Castleman closes out the first half of the show by asking U of M students "What food are you missing nowadays?" Yi Chin Lee starts off the second half of the show with a discussion of social media and how it's changing the way we interact, for better or worse. Shelby Thomason and Cristeta Boarini count down the top 7 New Year’s resolutions we're already breaking, and Zach McCormick ends the show with a story about one of Minneapolis' most brutal bike races: the Stupor Bowl.

This week on Culture Queue, we honor outgoing and outgone host Sarah Boden. We feature four stories Sarah produced during her career at Culture Queue: "local spelunking", "the squirrel man", "lady bikes", and "a zombie overview", along with a few anecdotes about Sarah's illustrious and enriching personal life. Don't forget to listen to Culture Queue at our new and improved time: Sunday evenings at 6:00pm!

This week on Culture Queue, we start the show off with a story about the cheapest art you'll find this side of a Hershey bar, courtesy of the Art-o-Matic. Brady Nyhus talks with Of Montreal bassist Davey Pierce about the group's new album as well as about Thai food. Joe Krall asks unknowing passersby what the Washington Avenue Bridge shoe tree is all about, and Yi Chin Lee asks, "Where do you buy your clothes?" In the second half of the show, host Sarah Boden talks with AMPERS aficionado Todd Melby and counts down the top 7 AMPERS radio clips, Cristeta interviews the president of the U of M's Duck & Goose Calling Club, and Zach McCormick previews some of Radio K's favorite upcoming fall releases.

This week on Culture Queue, reporter Chris Marshall starts the show off with a piece about a ubiquitous (25 points) board game and its competent (19 points) competitors (20 points). Eric Dolski interviews the husband-and-wife team of "social thriller" film Four Boxes. Host Sarah Boden and Ilana Ostrin count down the top 7 best ways to get free food on campus. Kevin Ryan starts off the second half of the show by checking out a hunka-hunka burning iron at the Minneapolis Iron Pour, Brady Nyhus takes a tour of the University Avenue Project, and Zach McCormick interviews members of local folk band Alas Alas.

This week on Culture Queue, Brady Nyhus pursues some truth behind Minneapolis sustainability. Sarah Boden talks with the elders of the local Bhutanese immigrant community. Eric Dolski eats for free at 1st Avenue's new barstaurant, the Depot. Katie Dyson counts down Minnesota's top 7 goofy laws, and Zach McCormick illuminates the work of blues-rock band The Black Keys.

Expectant parents spend hours pouring over baby books picking out the perfect name. A name that has the right meaning and the right sound. A name that's not too weird, but still unique, and one that doesn't remind you of all the snotty girls from your school. The stakes are high as research has shown names can be related to economic status, success in school, and even political ideology.

One of the United States’ biggest exports is its entertainment. American-made films, television and music receive wide distribution to the far-flung corners of the globe. But even though domestic media dominates the scene, entertainment from other countries does find a way to trickle in. Culture Queue Associate Producer Parker Lemke spoke with the owner of Minneapolis comics publisher Uncivilized Books about his experience bringing international comics to the United States.

We here at Radio K are proud to present The Clueless Radio Play, the first (as far as we know) radio reenactment of the sensational 1995 cult classic, starring the Queen of Beverly Hills, Cher Horowitz in her complicated high school journey.

We here at Radio K are proud to present The Clueless Radio Play, the first (as far as we know) radio reenactment of the sensational 1995 cult classic, starring the Queen of Beverly Hills, Cher Horowitz in her complicated high school journey.

Back during the 1950’s to early 1980s, before the WWE, the country was divided into different wrestling territories with different promoters in each territory. The midwest was under the AWA, the American Wrestling Association, with Minnesota Man, Verne Ganye running the show. He transformed figures like Hulk Hogan, Jesse Ventura, and countless others into pro wrestling stars, famous around the nation. After the WWE took over these territories, the AWA dissolved. Producer Amy Friedman looks at where that left the Minnesota wrestling scene as she speaks to fans divided between eras- one remembering the past, and another looking towards the future.

Instant ramen noodles have forever been the college staple. Throw in frozen pizzas, a few trips to McDonald's and maybe some Gatorade, and you have a complete college diet. Spending money on high quality food is just not a priority for most students, but a little secret among Minneapolis foodies is that it doesn't have to be. Producer Amy Friedman brings you your guide to eating the best and freshest of the Twin Cities on a budget.

Around this time of year, most students are beginning to worry about finding a job after graduation. But for some, it's not about who is going to give them a job, it's about what job they are going to create. Producer Amy Friedman looks at exactly what it takes to be a student entrepreneur at the U.

The word “shoegaze” has become such a common descriptor that it’s easy to forget that it refers toa distinct genre unto itself. Music Reporter Nathan Gerdes explores the importance and history of The Scene that Celebrates Itself.

Now in its 33rd year, the Minneapolis-St Paul International Film Festival, is the biggest it’s ever been, and using its influence to ignite a love of film in Minnesota through a welcoming nature, the embrace of unfamiliar cultures and media, and the support of the often overlooked Minneapolis scene. Matt Curtis dropped by the box office to see what all the fuss was about.

During the early 2000's, The White Stripes found themselves at the forefront of the Rock Revival movement. But one member of the duo managed to transcend his most famous project and embed himself into the musical psyche of the world. Music Reporter Nathan Gerdes takes a look at the mysterious and eccentric life of guitarist and songwriter Jack White.

Culture Queue Reporter Parker Lemke went up to Elk River, Minnesota to see how the historic Oliver H Kelley farm is both preserving the past and preparing for the future. While there, he got a look at 19th century farming that was up close and personal.

Every year when President Obama finishes his state of the union address, his political opponents are quick to provide an alternative perspective to how the country is being run. At the University of Minnesota, a coalition of student groups came together to voice their dissonant views of how the U’s administration is impacting their college experience.

As any Minnesotan knows, there are few things romantic about sloshing through the dirt-stained snow with a 3-inch thick winter coat on. Yet, this familiar scene is exactly how psychologist Ty Tashiro chose to open his new book, the Science of Happily Ever After". With true stories of successful relationships from right in the heart of Dinkytown, Tashiro's book strives to offer advice and hope for a generation of skeptics. Producer Amy Friedman reports.

The Minnesota Winters can be a frightful thought for the residents of this frozen tundra we call the U, but a few select men and women choose to watch over the campus at night with chattering teeth and steady hands. Producer Parker Lemke steps inside the boots of a U of M security monitor to see what it takes on this week’s Culture Queue, Sundays at 6pm on Radio K.

"Pet Loss"- by Amy Friedman: The idiom "dog is man's best friend" is starting to be more than just a figure of speech. Producer Amy Friedman finds that as we grow closer to our pets, we are seeking out more services to ease the pain of their loss.

For over 150 years, the University of Minnesota has evolved and expanded along the Mississippi River and beyond. Hardly a day seems to pass by without some kind of construction or renovation taking place on or around campus. Culture Queue Reporter Parker Lemke set out to look into how the U’s historic buildings have fared in this environment of constant development. Listen to this and other stories around the Twin Cities listen to Culture Queue, Sundays at 6pm. Support for this program comes from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Producer Katie Bolin refutes all complaints about the questionably-dubbed "Polar Vortex," suggesting it's the perfect excuse to avoid everything you hate that everyone's been waiting for. Listen to her newest piece about online dating this Sunday at 6pm on Radio K's Culture Queue.

This week Culture Queue is mourning over the graduations of our long-serving producers, Mitch Skinner and Marcheta Fornoff, so we are giving them the proper send-off by dedicating a show to each of their best work. This week Marcheta is in the hot seat, as we take a look back on what made her the talented journalist she is today as she goes on to bigger and better things.

Lego Deco by Mitch Skinner. Whether it's an art or just a really cool hobby, Brickmania in Northeast Minneapolis puts together some impressive Lego designs. Reporter Mitch Skinner checks out what they have in store for Halloween. To hear the rest of this story and other great arts and cultural reporting from the Twin Cities and beyond, tune in to Culture Queue, Sunday evening at 6PM here on Radio K. by Radio K (KUOM)

"Seemingly Useless Things" by Matt Curtis. This week on Culture Queue, humanity's impact on the world is explored through intricate connections and networks as seen in Minnesotan artist Sonja Peterson's new art show.

Rachel Schindler believes that opera is an under-appreciated art among her generation. However, her student group, the Opera Appreciation Club, has gotten so much support that the future of opera may just end on a high note after all.

There's something on the ground that's stopping residents of Saint Paul in their tracks, but it's not potholes or cracks; there's something else on the pavement that's left an impression. For more on this and other arts and cultural stories in the Twin Cities, tune into Culture Queue, Sunday evenings at 6:00.

By Amy Friedman. Bananas: they're rich in potassium, great for creating some slippery hijinks, and, as a result of fruit magnates like Chiquita, bananas are dirt cheap. Little of those banana profits make it back to banana growers, so these growers are now visiting Minnesota and other states hoping to show how much a banana really costs. To hear the rest of this story, and other arts and cultural reporting from the Twin Cities and beyond, tune in to Culture Queue, Sunday evening at 6PM here on Radio K.

"The Lone Rider"- By Amy Friedman
You never know who you'll end up next to when you take that open seat on the bus. This week on Culture Queue, Amy Friedman takes a risk and sits next to as many people as she can.

"Ice Cream United Nations" by Noel Clark - Summer brings with it many wonders, some of which are cooler than others. When the bells and music of the ice cream truck echo down your street, children and adults alike come together to share a sweet treat. Managing Editor Noel Clark takes a look behind the scenes at how these magical moments are made.

SoundScope: Winter Heat ~ by Noel Clark - The winter months in Minnesota can be brutally cold. Many people hibernate, and the number of children born the following October and November is often a direct result. Our new music mixtape segment, "SoundScope" takes a look at one DJ's idea of a playlist for winter warmth. Tune in Sundays at 6 p.m. for more Culture Queue.

"Rusty" by Amy Friedman-
Advertising company, Carmichael Lynch would never want to be viewed as outdated. But what happens when history threatens to get a little rust on their sparkling modernity? Well, one Minneapolis water tower shows that while it may be rusted, it knows how to stay fresh.

"Tartan Day" by Marcheta Fornoff -
Held April 6th of each year, Tartan Day is a celebration of the day the Declaration of Arbroath was signed and submitted to Pope John XXII confirming Scotland as an independent sovereign state, a status which was nullified by the Acts of Union. Today the idea of Scottish independence has not died, especially in the heart of Barbara Humphrey—a Minnesota woman who not necessarily determined to liberate the country, but at the very least wants people to be thinking about it.

"SoundScope - The Writer's Soundtrack" by Alex Mehrtens:
The mind of the writer is filled with words. But not every writer can concentrate with another person's voice bumping out of their speakers as they write. In these cases, a healthy dose of instrumental inspiration is just what the doctor ordered. Alex Mehrtens shares some of his preferred aural accompaniment in this week's ScoundScope.

"Looking Past You" by Noel Clark - In modern society, women in their 70's and 80's are often pushed aside and ignored in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Miriam is 85, widowed, and tired of being a victim. So she hatches a plan to take her life back. Managing Editor Noel Clark interviews Minnesota Filmmaker Jennifer Kramer, creator of the short film, "Looking Past You," which explores themes of loss, sadness, and empowerment.

"BorgLove.com" by Amy Friedman - Our Star Trek: The Next Generation Radio Play concludes this weekend with Part Two of "Culture Q Who." The battle with the Borg intensifies, but that doesn't mean there isn't time for a little love. Even the collective needs a match-making service, right?

"Culture Q Who?" by Noel Clark -
This week we take you on an adventure through space with the crew of the starship Enterprise. The enigmatic Q has sent Captain Picard and his crew spinning through space, and they may not be ready for what they find. Join Culture Queue this Sunday as we present Part One of Culture Q Who? - A Star Trek: The Next Generation Radio Play.

For artist Felix de la Concha it's not enough to just paint his subjects, he needs to know and remember them as well. He brought his latest project, "Portraits with Conversations" to Minneapolis in order to interview eight Holocaust survivors while listening to and recording their unique testimonies.

A class about baking bread turns into a course about creating a community for students of Pastor Bryce Johnson and Ross Safford. Johnson went from breaking to bread while on sabbatical in Europe, and was inspired to do both simultaneously upon returning home. In 2010 Johnson rallied together a team of volunteers and $6,200 and built a wood-fired oven. Listen to Culture Queue to learn how the church uses a European tradition to enhance their Minnesotan community.

"Optimus Prime" by Jamie Nelson - In 2005 Cook County High Cross country running team ditched their given school mascot, the Viking, and declared “Optimus Prime” -- an abandoned metal turtle from a children's playground found in the woods -- their true mascot. Over the years, Optimus Prime has become more than just a mascot, defending him against kidnapping from other teams has become its own blood sport.

Artist Spotlight: Imogen Heap - by Meagan Nouis ~ If you asked most music appreciators who their favorite artists are, a few names would pop in their heads almost instantly. For new reporter Meagan Nouis, the multi-talented Imogen Heap would top that list.

The Tiger Among Us - by Maarja Merivoo-Parro: Mu Performing Arts latest production sheds light on the Hmong-American experience by zooming in on a few remarkable days in the life of a daughter, a son and a father living in rural Minnesota. The topics covered in the play by Lauren Yee and directed by Ellen Fenster reach from volleyball, dog breeding and teen angst to death, murder and sacrifice with a myriad of references to Hmong culture specifically, American society more generally and the human condition universally.

The Spirit of Russian Art - by Amy Friedman: Many of the artists in the Russian Museum of Art's newest exhibit, "Concerning the Spiritual in Russian Art", remember a time when this very exhibit would have been forbidden in their home country. On the exhibit's opening day, reporter Amy Friedman discovers how this Nonconformist art exhibition challenges Russian censorship of the past, as well as a new form of censorship afflicting art in Russia today.

Minneapolis Arm Wrestling League for Ladies - by Mike Potter: Charity and arm wrestling are two things that aren't mentioned in the same sentence very often ... until now. Reporter Mike Potter had a chance to talk with the ladies of the Minneapolis Arm Wrestling League for Ladies (MAWLL) to find out about this new organization and what it is all about.

SoundScope: Winter Heat ~ by Noel Clark - The winter months in Minnesota can be brutally cold. Many people hibernate, and the number of children born the following October and November is often a direct result. Our new music mixtape segment, "SoundScope" takes a look at one DJ's idea of a playlist for winter warmth.
Tune in Sundays at 6 p.m. for more Culture Queue.

A Radio K Charlie Brown Christmas - By Noel Clark: The holidays are a time for creature comforts and family traditions. Whether that means trimming the tree with the folks, celebrating a non-holiday with friends, or lighting candles and filling up on delicious food, we make memories with the people we love in front of the fireplace … or the TV.
Since many of us grew up watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special year after year, we here at Culture Queue decided to keep that tradition going with our radio play, A Radio K “Charlie Brown Christmas.” Tune in at 6 p.m. Sundays for more Culture Queue.

By Matt Curtis. Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends, give and receive presents, and often to avoid the radio - aside from Radio K, of course. Christmas music invades and pervades our lives all through December, but Michigan music artist Sufjan Stevens is working to reimburse the sense of fun in the notorious carols and jingles in his 2012 tour "Surfjohn Stevens Christmas Sing-A-Long: Seasonal Affective Disorder Yuletide Disaster Pageant on Ice."

By Amy Friedman. The Cold War standoff between the Soviet Union and the U.S. was a war of ideologies. To counter the conforming proletariat of state-sponsored Socialist Realism, U.S. officials turned to jazz musicians to serve as cultural ambassadors of freedom and individuality. The problem is that many of these musicians were denied certain freedoms the U.S. sought to promote. To hear the rest of this story, and other arts and culture reporting from the Twin Cities and beyond, tune in to Culture Queue, Sunday evening at 6PM. Or listen online at radiok.org.

By Amy Friedman. Bananas: they're rich in potassium, great for creating some slippery hijinks, and, as a result of fruit magnates like Chiquita, bananas are dirt cheap. Little of those banana profits make it back to banana growers, so these growers are now visiting Minnesota and other states hoping to show how much a banana really costs. To hear the rest of this story, and other arts and cultural reporting from the Twin Cities and beyond, tune in to Culture Queue, Sunday evening at 6PM here on Radio K.

By Jamie Nelson. The 2008 Presidential Election saw a record turnout of young people. Has that poll momentum faded after four years, or will ballot initiatives like the Marriage Amendment bring youngsters back to the voting booth come November 6th? To hear the rest of this story and other arts and cultural reporting from the Twin Cities and beyond, do your civic duty and tune in to Culture Queue this Sunday at 6PM on Radio K.

Lego Deco by Mitch Skinner. Whether it's an art or just a really cool hobby, Brickmania in Northeast Minneapolis puts together some impressive Lego designs. Reporter Mitch Skinner checks out what they have in store for Halloween. To hear the rest of this story and other great arts and cultural reporting from the Twin Cities and beyond, tune in to Culture Queue, Sunday evening at 6PM here on Radio K.
by Radio K (KUOM)

Four Days A Week, by Marjorie Otto. North Branch High School cut one school day in order to cut operating costs. Now Marjorie Otto returns to her home town to see if the effects are worth the savings. To hear the rest of this story and other great arts and cultural reporting from the Twin Cities and beyond, tune in to Culture Queue, Sunday evening at 6PM here on Radio K.

Cirque du SoGay IV - By Noel Clark
It's that time again. Every year since 2009, Queer Bike Gang has hosted the GBLTQA-themed alley-cat bike race, Cirque du SoGay. Producer Noel Clark put the rubber to the road and went along for this year's ride. Tune in Sunday at 6 p.m. to hear this and other Arts & Culture stories.

Lights, Camera, Paint!: Producer Marcheta Fornoff dives into the world of light painting, a process involving flashlights and long lens exposure.
by KUOM, Radio K. Support for this program comes from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Reporter Todd Crotty poses a question on this week's Culture Queue: When was the last time you enjoyed every band you loved from the 90's, the best music Van Morrison has to offer, and a healthy dose of Johnny Cash…live? Welcome to the wide world of cover bands. Join Culture Queue as we go "under cover" during our special pledge drive edition of the show this Sunday at 6PM. You won't want to miss the award-winning arts and cultural reporting we have to offer.

By Amy Friedman. Spend even a little time on a college campus and you're bound to run into someone preaching their key to salvation. But for some international students at the University of Minnesota, faith-based student groups are also way to meet new people in a new country. To hear the rest of this story, and other great arts and cultural reporting from the Twin Cities and beyond, tune into Culture Queue, Sunday evening at 6PM here on Radio K.

By Tess Weinberg. While the Flaming Lips are now one of the biggest names in indie rock, things weren't always that way for the band. Tess Weinberg explores the winding path the Flaming Lips has taken in getting to the carnivalesque performances and freak rock sound they're known for today. To hear the rest of this story, and other great arts and cultural reporting from around the Twin Cities, tune into Culture Queue this Sunday at 6PM, here on Radio K.

A Crash Course in Camping - By Noel Clark: In 2007 the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources researched why people in Minnesota were spending less time outdoors. They found three problems: people lacked skills, equipment and time. To address this, the DNR created the I Can series. Producer Noel Clark spent a day in the woods with the I can Camp program.

By Marcheta Fornoff. Michelle Zimmerman balances life between school to become a dental hygienist, and hitting the gym to train as a bodybuilder. The training doesn't end when Zimmerman leaves the locker room, and some around her have a hard time grasping her lifestyle. To hear the rest of this story, and other great arts and cultural reporting from around the Twin Cities and beyond, tune in to Culture Queue, Sunday at 6PM here on Radio K.

By Mitch Skinner. It's pastry apotheosis in the Radio K offices. Producer Mitch Skinner heads to the Donut Cooperative in the Seward neighborhood and taste tests an assorted dozen with a few choice individuals.

By Mark Sheely. Culture Queue brings you Part Two and the conclusion of our radio play adaptation, The Immortal Ms. Sherlock Holmes. Will Holmes outwit the schemes of Professor Moriarty? Or will the Professor finally ensnare his arch nemesis? Tune in this Sunday at 6PM to find out!

By Mark Sheely. Just an hour north of the Twin Cities and already the towering pines and sparkling lakes begin to fill the scenery. A giant walleye statue sits off to the side of the road (supposedly caught by Paul Bunyon himself) and one thing is certain: this is rural Minnesota. This particular neck of the woods also happens to be home to one of only two rural gay pride festivals in the entire country. To hear the rest of this and all of our Pride-themed show, tune in this Sunday at 6PM.

By Brianna Hanson. This week, Culture Queue once again steps into the world of old timey radio drama. Because the University of Minnesota is home to the largest collection of Sherlock Holmes artifacts in the world, we've recorded an adaptation of the famous Mercury Theatre broadcast which finds the sleuth from 221B Baker St. up against his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty. Tune in this Sunday at 6PM for Part One of The Immortal Sherlock Holmes.

A Home for the Wild, by Mark Sheely: While lion and tiger cubs are cute and cuddly, they grow up and pack on five hundred pounds, or more. Yet some people make these animals pets. It's what inspired Tammy Thies to open The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minn.

A Day At The Diner - By Noel Clark: Anyone who has ever spent time in a greasy spoon diner knows that feeling. It's a mixture of good food, conversation, and that certain... something. Producer Noel Clark spent a day at Our Kitchen in South Minneapolis to get to the heart of our love for the perfect breakfast joint.

Producer Zach McCormick steps into a world of witches, prophesy, and old bones that inhabits the dark and enchanting sound of "III" the latest album from local band Is/Is. To hear the rest of this story and more arts and culture reporting in the Twin Cities, tune into Culture Queue, Sunday at 6PM.

Without sight, the blind must rely on the sounscapes around them to navigate through a world of audio overload. To truly experience this world, Producer Noel Clark must live it, braving one of the busiest streets in Uptown blindfolded . Will he make it? Tune in this Sunday at 6PM to listen this and other award winning arts and cultural reporting.

by Zach McCormick - It had been a 900-mile journey from her native Tennessee when the soulful, acoustic songstress Chastity Brown finally settled here in Minneapolis. Today, Brown still draws inspiration from her stomping grounds for her latest album, Back-Roads Highways. To hear this story and other great arts and cultural reporting from around the Twin Cities, tune into Culture Queue, Sunday at 6PM.

While the rest of Culture Queue was stuck here during the SXSW music festival (check out our show "North by Midwest"), Producer Tess Weinberg was roaming the hip streets of Austin, TX. Tune in this Sunday at 6PM to hear Tess and Radio K Programming Director Caleigh Souhan count down the Top 7 SXSW moments the rest of us missed out on.

By Tess Weinberg - "Minnesota Nice" gets a bad wrap when stretched to the point of those passive aggressive notes left by that one roommate. But it also drives the volunteer spirit that keeps hometown music label Secret Stash Records releasing vinyl from artists all over the world. To hear the rest of this story and other great arts and cultural reporting, tune in to Culture Queue, Sunday at 6PM

By Zach McCormick - (cue melodramatic music) In a world where on-demand video has struck fear into the hearts of megaplex theater owners, the Trylon Microcinema has dared to bring a more catered and esoteric film experience to south Minneapolis. But can this 50-seat David stand up to the Goliath of a changing media landscape? Listen for the conclusion to this cinematic adventure Sunday at 6PM.

The Other Twin City - by Cristeta Boarini. Produced by Tess Weinberg and Mitch Skinner. Not many people associate Minneapolis with New Orleans, but they are connected by the mighty Mississippi river. Cristeta Boarini explores the rich music history along the way.

Don't you hate being on the other end of a pre-recorded message? Now imagine that recording is asking for your money. It's pledge driving time here at Radio K, and rather than simply recording a show telling you to donate to Real College Radio, we thought this would be a great chance to do something that Culture Queue has never done before: a live show! Producers Tess Weinberg and Zach McCormick join host Mark Sheely this week presenting some of the best work that Culture Queue has produced, and all in front of a hot mic. Todd Crotty also stops in with the top 7 reasons you should become a Radio K member.
Featured this week is Chris Marshall's tale of a special canine racing competition, a piecev from Cristeta Boarini on the long and lustrous history of KUOM, a spendthrifty Question of the Week from new reporter Monica Jones. In the second half of our show, Producer Zach McCormick reintroduces us to Art School Girls, a local hip hop collective that neither attend art school nor are girls; and finally an excerpt from "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy," Culture Queue's first foray into radio drama.

The Road Less Traveled: Making Movies in Minnesota - by Alex Mehrtens. Not many directors chose to set their films in "flyover country," but it is appealing to some. To find out why, as well learn about various other arts and cultural stories from around the Twin Cities, tune into Culture Queue, Sunday at 6 PM.

ROTC - By Emma Nelson: It's common to see students on the University of Minnesota campus dressed in military fatigues or uniforms, and behind every soldier is a story. To hear their stories, as well more great arts and cultural reporting from around the Twin Cities, tune into Culture Queue, Sunday at 6 PM.

To Rock or Not to Rock? - By Noel Clark: This is the tale of a Rock Opera about a rocker sent to purgatory, and a theater that is all too familiar with what the view from the void looks like. To find out if the power of rock is enough to save them both, tune in at 6pm this Sunday.

Just blocks away from the hallmark of Minneapolis music that is First Avenue, another mid-size music venue, The Brick, will be opening its doors in March. But is this town big enough for the both of them? Tune in this Sunday at 6 P.M. to find out.